Older members of her and her boyfriend’s families, she said, will enjoy the Spanish-language offerings. A regular filmgoer, Villarreal said she usually attends movies with her boyfriend when she’s not busy with school. 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. An updated report is expected this spring.
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. Though they represent just 18 percent of the U.S. 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. Mexican directors like Cuarón, Alejandro G. 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. 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. 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. Like the old cinema houses Esparza used to visit in his childhood, Maya Cinemas, shows both first-run Hollywood films and Spanish-language films. 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. 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. Theater management says it will have a close relationship with Fresno State. The Mad Duck, the Beach Hut Deli, Wahoo's Fish Tacos and Cold Stone Creamery are all close to opening.
Maya Cinemas is the anchor of the square at Campus Pointe. 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. Haffar said, "Honestly it's like having first baby. Company President Frank Haffar sought to enhance the movie-goers experience with the latest digital projector and sound system. It leaves you breathless."Įverything inside the MPX Theater is bigger and louder because the speakers are set right above you. Retired Teacher Ron Mortanian said, "It's a step up in class and sound quality. The screen is so big at 75 feet wide, 38 feet high it reminded some people of the old drive-in movies. (KFSN) - Maya Cinemas gave a handful of folks a sneak peek at its MPX screen, the largest in the Valley. The Valley's newest movie theater is now ready to unveil the area's biggest screen.įRESNO, Calif.