Maya Cinemas is an emerging chain of movie houses founded by Moctesuma Esparza. The cinema chain was originally established to give back to the Latino community. As a result, all the branches are located in California where there is a strong Latino presence.
Branches of this movie theatre chain can be found in the following locations: Salinas, California; Pittsburg, California, Bakersfield, California and Fresno, California.
Maya Ticket Prices
| Age | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| MOVIES (MATINEE) | |
| Children | $7.00 - $7.50 |
| Adult | $7.00 - $7.50 |
| Senior | $7.00 - $7.50 |
| MOVIES (EVENING) | |
| Children | $7.00 - $7.50 |
| Adult | $10.00 - $10.50 |
| Senior | $7.00 - $7.50 |
| 3D MOVIES (MATINEE) | |
| Children | $9.00 - $9.50 |
| Adult | $9.00 - $9.50 |
| Senior | $9.00 - $9.50 |
| 3D MOVIES (EVENING) | |
| Children | $9.00 - $9.50 |
| Adult | $12.00 - $12.50 |
| Senior | $9.00 - $9.50 |
| ATMOS (MATINEE) | |
| Children | $8.00 - $8.50 |
| Adult | $8.00 - $8.50 |
| Senior | $8.00 - $8.50 |
| ATMOS (EVENING) | |
| Children | $8.00 - $8.50 |
| Adult | $11.00 - $11.50 |
| Senior | $8.00 - $8.50 |
| MPX (MATINEE) | |
| Children | $9.50 - $10.00 |
| Adult | $10.00 - $10.50 |
| Senior | $9.50 - $10.00 |
| MPX (EVENING) | |
| Children | $9.00 - $9.50 |
| Adult | $12.00 - $12.50 |
| Senior | $9.00 - $9.50 |
History
As above mentioned, Maya Cinemas is founded by Moctesuma Esparza. He is an American entertainment executive, producer, community activist and entrepreneur. He is also a known advocate and promoter of Latino films. As a producer, he has produced around twenty films and has bagged over 200 awards.
In an interview, Esparaza said that what pushed him to establish Maya Cinemas is the lack of quality theatre houses in Latino communities. As a young boy, he was an avid movie-goer. He took delight in watching movies in good ol’ fancy theatres, which he notes is gone nowadays. This was his drive in establishing the movie theatre company.
The first multiplex in the chain was a 14-screen theater located in Salinas, California. What is notable about this theatre chain is that the movies shown often have Spanish subtitles. The concession also sells Latino food like burritos and churros.
The Maya Cinemas in Pittsburg received a special mention in a Film Journal International article entitled “Cinemas Reach Out to Under-served Communities,” by Andreas Fuchs which was published in February 2013.
Maya Cinemas Review
n a popular review website, Maya Cinema ranked 1st out of three (3) establishments under the Fun and Games category. Out of 33 reviews, 13 individuals gave the movie chain an ‘Excellent’ rating. On the other hand, 12 individuals gave it a ‘Very Good’ rating.
Reviewer Tazdad35 said that the theatre seats were comfortable and nice. Another user, Susada C of Fresno said that the seats gave her adequate leg room.
Other reviewers said that they liked how the theatres of Maya Cinemas were all accessible. Most of its branches are set in the heart of the city hence making it easier for movie-goers to reach.
The ticket price was also rated as reasonable in most feedbacks of the movie patrons. They commented that the movie experience was well-worth the price they paid.
Another patron said that he liked how there was always parking space. He also said that he felt safe parking his car in the parking lot of Maya Cinemas.
While there were also reviewers who said that they didn’t even need to bring their car because the place was just walking distance from their home.
Some patrons said that they wished the menu had more food choices.
About
Like other theatre chains, Maya Cinemas has a rewards club. Those who wish to avail will receive a card which should be presented every purchase. Immediate family members can use one card.
Another note-worthy feature of this chain of cinemas is the ‘crying room’. Literally, the crying room is for parents who bring along with them their crying babies. In this sound proof room, the parents can enjoy the movie without disturbing other patrons with their babies’ crying.
It also has contests now and then for their movie-goers. They have contests such as the Valentine’s Day Sweepstakes. The winner of this contest will get to have their message shown on the big screen plus VIP tickets.
They also have a promo called ‘Rise and Shine: Maya Morning Movie’ wherein movie tickets are sold only at $5.50 for shows beginning before 11 am.