Desiree Villanueva EDINBURG- Edinburg is in spotlight of a new documentary just released “Going Varsity in Mariachi,” which showcases Edinburg North high school’s Mariachi Oro.
A high school known for its state track and field champions, five-time national award-winning Golden Spurs and its state winning Mariachi Oro is now streaming on Netflix.
Director Abel Acuña said the idea started back in 2019, when the film directors emailed him, requesting to do an 18-minute documentary.
“They [Directors] were interested that UIL picked up mariachi and was being recognized the same as marching band,” Acuña said.
Acuña said when the pandemic hit production stopped. Shortly after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, they decided to continue with the documentary and extend the duration of it.
“[Film directors] sparked the interest how does a mariachi recover, you know, coming out of a pandemic, “What is up with Edinburg North? What are they doing now with the Edinburg North mariachi?’ and so they pitched this long idea to me, and I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s amazing.’”
Former Section Leader at the time Isabella Luna shared her experience being a part of the mariachi.
“The first time we watched it, it wasn’t on a big screen,” Luna said. “We went to Mr. Acuñas house, us and the main people in the movie got together there and watched it and I remember crying everything I watch the movie I cry because it’s just so special. It has me teaching my sister who is now the leader of the mariachi”
She said she hopes for the audience to feel the mariachi passion for its music.
“Seeing the Valley on a big screen like that, the valley was able to be showcased, and Edinburg specifically and Edinburg North and it’s just everyone is so proud to be a part of the Valley, proud to be to be Mexican, proud to know mariachi,” Luna said.
