Today this vision has expanded to Bakersfield, Pittsburg, Fresno and Delano, CA with continuing expansion plans in California and beyond. In 2003 Moctesuma’s vision was realized with the launch of the first Maya Cinema in Salinas, CA. Maya’s founder, Moctesuma Esparza combines his lifelong love of film, his vast experience as a film producer and pioneer and entertainment business developer in his pursuit of creating cornerstone movie theaters in communities lacking first run film entertainment options. Maya Cinemas was chartered in 2000 with a mission to develop, build, own and operate modern, first-run, megaplex movie theaters in underserved, family oriented, Latino-dominant communities. Maya Cinemas along with their follow honorees will participate in Hispanic Lifestyle’s BizCon 2018taking place on Jat the Ontario Airport Hotel and Conference Center. The Valley's newest movie theater is now ready to unveil the area's biggest screen.įRESNO, Calif.Maya Cinemas a megaplex movie theaters have been selected as a Hispanic Lifestyle 2018 Survived and Thrived Business Honoree. ![]() (KFSN) - Maya Cinemas gave a handful of folks a sneak peek at its MPX screen, the largest in the Valley. The screen is so big at 75 feet wide, 38 feet high it reminded some people of the old drive-in movies. Retired Teacher Ron Mortanian said, "It's a step up in class and sound quality. It leaves you breathless."Įverything inside the MPX Theater is bigger and louder because the speakers are set right above you. Company President Frank Haffar sought to enhance the movie-goers experience with the latest digital projector and sound system. Haffar said, "Honestly it's like having first baby. Haffar added, "We believe in the magic of movies so we wanted people to really enjoy the whole experience from the minute they walk in." The theater features a crying room for parents with little ones as well as an old school balcony. Maya Cinemas is the anchor of the square at Campus Pointe. The Mad Duck, the Beach Hut Deli, Wahoo's Fish Tacos and Cold Stone Creamery are all close to opening. Theater management says it will have a close relationship with Fresno State. Young people, we like to bring in young people and their work." Vice President Larry Porricelli said, "We've met with many department heads that we'll be doing projects with them. Porricelli says in three weeks the theater will host the premier of "The Gallows," a movie made by two local filmmakers.Maya Cinemas offer the same high-end amenities moviegoers have come to expect, such as luxury recliners and assigned seating, as well as something a little extra to better serve Latino audiences, the most fervent movie-going segment, according to film industry figures. Like the old cinema houses Esparza used to visit in his childhood, Maya Cinemas, shows both first-run Hollywood films and Spanish-language films. The concession stands also stock popular Mexican candy, in addition to the usual popcorn and chewy treats. And locations with bars, like the theater in North Las Vegas, can whip up margaritas and micheladas made with one's favorite Mexican lager for adult patrons. The growth of Maya Cinemas, which opened its first location in Salinas in 2003, comes as Mexico has entered yet another golden age of cinema. ![]() Netflix's "Roma" is just the latest film by Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón to sweep the Academy Awards, winning three Oscars, including best foreign language picture and best directing. Mexican directors like Cuarón, Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Guillermo del Toro have won best director at the Oscars five times in the last six years.ĭespite expanding amid widespread consolidation in the theater business due to increased competition from low-cost streaming options like Netflix, Esparza said his business is thriving because Latinos have consistently shown themselves to be the most loyal movie customer. ![]() Though they represent just 18 percent of the U.S. Population, Latinos bought 24 percent of all movie tickets sold in 2017 in North America, according to the most recent report by the Motion Picture Association of America. ![]() An updated report is expected this spring. Nyssa Villarreal, a 19-year-old Indio resident and student at College of the Desert, said she and her family are excited about the new theater. A regular filmgoer, Villarreal said she usually attends movies with her boyfriend when she’s not busy with school. Older members of her and her boyfriend’s families, she said, will enjoy the Spanish-language offerings.
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