Milagro Cinemas in Norwalk to provide platform for Latino artists, creators, and filmmakers

NORWALK, Calif. (KABC) -- The city of Norwalk has a new, state-of-the-art movie theater that's focused on showcasing indie films, first-run movies, and other productions by Latino filmmakers.

"Milagro Cinemas is Latino-owned, Latino-operated, for the Latino community," said Luis Vasquez.

Movies made by Latino filmmakers will be front and center, providing a platform for their voices to be heard and celebrated.

Moctesuma Esparza, a film producer and entertainment executive who's worked on movies like "Selena," is the visionary behind it.

"I knew it would be a miracle to pull it off, which is why I called this company, Milagro Cinemas," he said.

He said critics doubted it, claiming people weren't going to the movies anymore, but Esparza said that just isn't true.

"When the movies are out, people go because movies are the only place you can get out of your head and can completely be in a different reality for a couple of hours and enjoy yourself in a way you can't do almost anywhere else," said Esparza.

Artist Robert Vargas of Boyle Heights created a mural titled "A Father's Gift," inspired by Esparza's childhood tradition of weekly movie outings with his father.

"Made me think a lot about my experiences with my family, and I want people who come here to see the mural to come away feeling the same way," said Vargas.

In addition to the culture, the new theater features state-of-the-art amenities, including luxury reclining seats.

"I'm going to be sitting in one of those comfy seats, with a box of popcorn with some great audio, beautiful screens, and I'm going to bring my family with me too," said Norwalk Mayor Margarita Rios.

"I want people to feel really good," said Esparza. "We want them to enjoy themselves while they're here and to leave with a smile and a fond memory of a time well spent."