Moctesuma Esparza – MOB 001

Show Overview

Moctesuma Esparza is a Mastermind of Business who cares about his community, has the spirit of an entrepreneur and will explain the entertainment industry. You will be inspired by the Moctesuma’s determination to succeed and perseverance in spite of obstacles and his constant push to move his community forward.

Moctesuma’s Movies

Before Moctesuma graduated from UCLA with his Masters, he had already won an Emmy. Since his audacious beginning, Moctesuma has worked with stars such as: Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez, Andy Garcia, Jimmy Smits, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall and Halle Berry. He produced films many films including Price of Glory” (2000), “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge”(1999), “Selma, Lord, Selma” (1998), “Selena” (1997), “The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca” (1997),“Gettysburg” (1993) and “The Milagro Beanfield War” (1988) among others.

Moctesuma’s Community Involvement

Moctesuma founded the Los Angeles Academy of Arts and Enterprise Charter School. Mr. Esparza is also the Co-Founder of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers and the Smithsonian Latino Center. He is the founding Member of the Cesar Chavez Foundation. Moctesuma has served on the Corporate Board of Directors of the Motion Picture Television Fund. Mr. Esparza has also served on  the Board of Directors of the Museum of Latin American Art, and as a Trustee of the California State University System.  Additionally, Moctesuma served as a commissioner to the Los Angeles City Retirement System.

Moctesuma’s Boards

Currently, Moctesuma serves on various Boards.  He serves on the National Hispanic Cultural Center Advisory Board and the Latino Coalition Against Aids Advisory Board. Mr. Esparza serves on the National Hispanic Media Coalition Advisory Board and the Toigo Advisory Board. He also servers on the Minority Media Telecommunications Council Board of Advisors and the American Film Institute Board of Trustees.  Lastly, he serves on the UCLA School of Theater Film and Television Dean’s Executive Board.   Furthermore, Mr. Esparza is a Board Member and former Chair of the New America Alliance.  He is co-Chair of The Marathon Club and Chairman of the Board of the Latino Theater Company in Los Angeles.   Most noteworthy, Moctesuma was appointed by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to the planning commission of the National Museum of the American Latino. Additionally,, he was appointed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

Moctesuma’s Awards

Mr. Esparza has received numerous awards and honors including an Academy Award nomination, a Golden Globe nomination, an Emmy award, a Clio award, an Alma award and many more.

In addition to his film accolades, Moctesuma established Maya Cinemas, a growing chain of modern movie theatre mega-plexes committed to providing the highest quality movie-going experience in new and redeveloping market areas with a strong Latino presence.

In this episode, Moctesuma discusses his early career in the television with his work on Sesame Street, Electric Company and Villa Alegre. He takes us through his transition to film production and ultimately movie theater entrepreneur.