Laura Varela – American Sons

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Q) What inspired you to make the documentary American Sons?

A) Growing up in the 70s, my father was surrounded by men who served in the military and worked in civil service at Ft. Bliss like him. Many of his friends and my relatives saw combat in Vietnam, Korea and WWII.

In film school at UT Austin, I realized that most of my Chicano/Latino friends had family members who served in Vietnam due to the disproportionate number of Latinos in the military. My first feature documentary, As Long as I Remember, explored the Chicano experience in Vietnam and how artists used their work to process memories and trauma. In 2010, after the film aired, April Villarreal Rodriguez reached out and asked if she could come by my office because she had an archive of her brother’s time in Afghanistan before he was killed in action. I promised her I would find a way to get this film made. She is the reason that this film was made.  It was a mission she had to honor her brother’s “documentary.” He even said it on camera when the unit was leaving the barracks for Afghanistan.

Q) Were there any tough emotional moments during filming?

A) The most challenging scenes to film were deeply personal ones, like the reunion of Ty Klinman and Andrew St. Cyr and JV’s mother. Yolanda’s interview was difficult because she spoke of the day she got the news and Jonathan Eckart’s emotional statement, “I think about him every day, but I’m here, and I’m going to keep living for V.”

Q) What surprised you most about JV from his personal footage?

A) His humor and charisma – he was a natural jokester.  He looked like every young twenty-two-year-old in San Antonio.  I felt like I knew him.

Q) What was your favorite moment to capture?

A) The first reunion with the Marines and the memorials for JV in San Antonio. The guys were so happy to see each other and spend time with April.

Q) What does premiering at SXSW mean to you?

A) It means the world. As a UT Austin film school graduate who has participated in SXSW in its early days, having our World Premiere here was a full-circle moment. Fernando Cano, our Consulting Producer and Post Supervisor, and I both went to school together and were students of Bart Weiss who led the Q&A for the second screening at SXSW.  Also, the 2025 documentary lineup was incredible and we are honored to be part of it.

Q) What do you hope audiences take away?

A) I want people to understand the importance of taking care of our veterans, scrutinizing military interventionism and recognizing the unique brotherhood among Marines. Most of all, I hope the film conveys the power of love and support in healing from trauma.

Q) Tell us about Digestible Media.

A) Digestible Media is Andrew Gonzales’ commercial production company. American Sonswas produced under Infinite Warrior LLC, which Andrew and I co-own.

Q) What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?

A) Work on as many productions as possible—documentaries, commercials, features—so you can explore different strengths and learn the craft.  It’s also essential to seek mentorship from experienced filmmakers to avoid common pitfalls. It’s also important to place yourself in a place where you are seen and allowed to grow.

Q) Are there any upcoming projects you can share?

A) Yes! I’m finishing Rebecca Flores: Under the South Texas Sun, a documentary about Texas native Rebecca Flores, former president of the UFW in Texas, San Antonio Peace Laureate and organizer for current movements in Texas.

Covered at SXSW 2025