American Sons, Produced by Laura Varela, Produced & Directed by Andrew James Gonzales, finds a brotherhood of Marines a decade after their deployment to Afghanistan, grappling with the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and struggling to overcome physical and emotional trauma from combat and the loss of their best friend, Cpl. JV Villarreal. 

Leaving more than his memory behind, JV’s intimate video diary of his life in Afghanistan serves as both a window into these Marines’ past and a tribute to a Marine not forgotten.

The film traces the dramatic journey of these veterans and emphasizes the ongoing veteran suicide crisis, which has surpassed the toll of lives lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. The stories reflect not only the physical, mental, and emotional suffering but also the societal failure to provide adequate care and understanding. Through reconnection and shared experiences is where these veterans find healing and hope.