American Sons Hometown Premiere

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CONTENT ADVISORY: American Sons includes authentic combat footage, explicit language and emotional content that may be distressing to some viewers. We encourage attendees to care for their emotional well-being and step outside if needed. A dedicated calming space will be available, in partnership with Jewish Family Services, to provide comfort and support.

San Antonio audiences will have a rare chance to experience the extended 72-minute Director’s Cut of American Sons, exclusively only in theaters. This edition offers a deeper, more intimate, and gripping exploration of the challenges U.S. veterans face as they navigate life after combat. It also provides a closer look at JV’s enduring legacy, the resilience of his brothers-in-arms, and the urgent national conversation to destigmitize veteran mental health issues.

Presented ahead of the 54-minute broadcast release on PBS on January 12th 2026 as part of the VOCES Series, this hometown screening invites audiences to witness the story where it all began—at home.

The event is hosted in partnership with Bexar County and Film San Antonio.

Additional support provided by City of San Antonio Arts and Culture, Moral Patch Wine Co., Lonestar Challenge Coins, Women in Film and Television Texas, National Veteran Outreach Program, Black Rifle Coffee Company, Little Lemon Shots, Jewish Family Services, John F. Kennedy JROTC and Mariachi Band, Veteran SA Magazine.

American Sons is a co-production of Infinite Warrior LLC, Latino Public Broadcasting, and Black Public Media with major funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

This project was made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. www.calhum.org.

Supported by the Jacquie Jones Memorial Fund. Additional funding is provided by Bexar County and the City of San Antonio Arts and Culture.

Info: Step onto the red carpet and celebrate American Sons where it all began — San Antonio. Mingle with veterans, civic leaders, and community partners who helped make this 15-year legacy project possible. Enjoy photo ops, light refreshments, and an early chance to connect with the filmmakers and participants who brought this story to life.

Info: The program opens with tribute to service and community.
• Presentation of Colors by the John F. Kennedy High School JROTC

• National Anthem performed by the John F. Kennedy High School Mariachi Band.
• Welcome Keynote by legendary broadcaster and event host Sonny Melendrez

• Introduction by American Sons filmmakers Laura Varela and Andrew James Gonzales, reflecting on the journey that began right here in San Antonio and grew into a national story of courage, brotherhood, and healing.


Info: Experience the exclusive 71-minute Theatrical Version of American Sons - available only in theaters.
This deeply personal film traces the enduring impact of war on U.S. veterans and their families through the story of Corporal JV Villarreal and his brothers in arms. The Director’s Cut offers a deeper, more intimate look at the cost of service, the power of connection, and the courage to heal. It’s a journey through brotherhood and resilience - one that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's not just a film, it’s an emotional homecoming for all who have served.

Info: Join host Sonny Melendrez for a powerful and entertaining, post-screening discussion with the filmmakers and participants of American Sons.
Hear behind-the-scenes stories, insights on the making of this 15-year project, and reflections on how it continues to shape conversations about de-stigmatizing veteran mental health, here and throughout the nation.

Info: Close the afternoon with good conversation and community. Enjoy coffee provided by Black Rifle Coffee Company while connecting with fellow audience members, veterans, and the filmmaking team. Share your reflections, meet the storytellers, and help continue the dialogue that American Sons was created to inspire.

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Host or Publisher Edgewood Veterans Association