“The West Texas Boys” tells the inspiring story of six brothers – the Peña brothers – who transitioned from migrant farm laborers to Regional Mexican musicians. The film captures their brief but remarkable rise to success and the unbreakable bond that sustained them through it all. It also redefines the “American Dream” through the resilience and perspective of a Mexican-American family from West Texas.
The documentary follows the Peña brothers through many stages of life, from children traveling around the country helping their parents harvest crops, to adolescents finding their footing with varying musical instruments, navigating a time of racial injustice in the Texas Panhandle, their rise to fame and the lulls and changes in their careers, grappling with momentous loss both as band members and brothers, and much more.
“A lot of people think our story’s about a band,” said Gilbert Peña. “But really, it’s about a bunch of brothers never giving up.”
“The West Texas Boys” has received national and international recognition. The film was named Best Documentary at Indie House Film Festival in Barcelona, Spain, an official selection for Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, AL, and Viva Texas Film Festival in Victoria, TX, and many more.
“The West Texas Boys” premiered on Thursday, December 5, 2025 on Panhandle PBS.
Full Documentary
The full "West Texas Boys" documentary and subsequent "Doc Talk" panel discussion are available on Panhandle PBS Passport. To become a Passport member, click here or call our office at (806)371-5479.
The inspiring story of the Peña brothers, Regional Mexican musicians from Dimmitt, Texas.
Tune in for a conversation with the Peña brothers.
