Uvalde Mom

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

The events that unraveled at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas has become yet another one to add to the list of school shootings. While many of us watched in horror as the list of victims joined those in rank who have lost their lives in years prior, the residents of Uvalde could not help but watch law enforcement keep them from what they valued most: their children. However, one mother’s determination to risk her own life and save her sons inspired a nation and polarized a town. But for Angeli Rose Gomez, the mission was clear: get her sons Aurelius and Vladimir to safety….no matter the consequences. Directed by Anayansi Prado, the documentary film Uvalde Mom is Angeli’s story – the good, the bad, and the drive that she still carries in adversity.

Uvalde is a town that is known for its culture. With about 85-95% of the population of Hispanic descent that spans generations, the residents take pride in their heritage. But on May 24, 2022 the town became known for something else. With an awards ceremony earlier in the day, students at Robb Elementary were then treated to a movie. Angeli Rose Gomez had attended the ceremony, promptly returning to work afterwards, only to receive a phone call about ten to fifteen minutes after her arriving saying that there is an issue at the school. Taking action, Angeli makes it back to Robb Elementary and is handcuffed and thrown down to the ground when she attempts to go in and bring her children to safety. Eventually, a cop takes mercy and uncuffs Angeli…and she sees her opportunity.

Running into the school, Angeli saves her two sons and brings them to safety outside of the school. However, others were not so lucky and the town suffered substantially. But as Angeli’s heroic behavior is what many parents hope they can aspire to in the face of such devastation, her life and past mistakes now become fodder for the media and those in her community to scrutinize and judge. And for Angeli, life as she knows it will never be the same, especially as she is forced to relive those very mistakes and juggle the criticism with her everyday life while calling out those who failed to protect on that fateful day at Robb Elementary.

Prado really knows how to hit us with the feels in Uvalde Mom. With commentary from not only the townspeople of Uvalde and their part in such an emotional day, but Angeli’s perspective as well. Her story is what many of us parents hope for and fear the most: having to save our children when their literal life is on the line. Uvalde may have been another statistic in school shootings, but displayed how even the “good guy with a gun” theory can be disproven. As many families stood by helplessly outside the fences, one proved that they can make a difference.

What was most surprising was the town’s resilience in the face of this devastation and the vulnerability they will forever carry with it. While school should have been a source of joy for the youth, it has now created a generation of anxious parents and children…hesitant to set foot inside another school. The loss still feels profound and immeasurable, a town still trying to move forward as they join the national fight for stronger gun control.

Yet Uvalde Mom is more than just about Angeli and her story. For those of us who are parents, that is our story and determination for a better world. And Prado is able to capture that vulnerability and strength. It is the need to protect children at all costs, even if it compromises our own livelihood in the process. And even if there is a backlash for our actions. For Angeli, the pursuit of justice and the moral high road prevail in spite of her hardships.