Musically stunning and emotionally compelling this film follows a group of Latina musicians as they break the gender barrier to perform mariachi music in America with passion and gusto. Long the purview of male musicians, the 12 member Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles was the first all female mariachi band. Since their inception in 1994, other female groups have been formed who perform professionally, expanding the popularity of the music, which is an important part of their cultural heritage.

Along with a brief history of mariachi music, the film interweaves portraits of the women who often find their personal lives conflict with their desire to be full-time musicians. The issues raised are universal to women everywhere: how to balance family life with career, how to achieve equal pay, and how to deal with emotional conflict. Compañeras offers rich material for discussion as well as engaging performances!

"The operative word is passionate..."
- The New York Times

"Recommended... celebrates both a beloved musical style and feminine camaraderie."
Video Librarian


"...it's a treat..."
- Salon.com

"...a satisfying film and a wholly inspiring one..."
- Hispanic Magazine

"richly entertaining"
- The Hartford Courant

One World Film Festival, 2008

South by Southwest Festival, 2007

Heartland Film Festival, 2007