A native of Southern California, Esparza began producing Spanish-language and bilingual documentaries and television shows while still in film school. Co-founder (with Robert Redford) of the Sundance Institute, a non-profit organization which aids young filmmakers, Esparza has maintained his commitment to the Chicano community from his first feature, "Only Once in a Lifetime" (1979) to one of his best-known efforts, "The Milagro Beanfield War" (1988). Along with Robert Katz, Esparza also undertook producing responsibilities on the massive historical recreation, "Gettysburg" (1993).
- Also Credited As:
Moctesuma Diaz Esparza
- Born:
March 12, 1949 in Los Angeles, California, USA
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Job Titles:
Producer, Political activist
Education
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University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, film, BA
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University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, film, MFA
Milestones
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1973 MA thesis was documentary film for NBC, Cinco Vidas (Five Lives)
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1974 Formed Moctesuma Esparza Productions
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1977 First feature, Only Once in a Lifetime
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1981 Co-founder of Sundance Institute
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Founder of the Chicano Research Center at UCLA
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Hired as producer for PBS children s series Villa Allegre (Happy Village)
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Producer of bilingual films for Sesame Street while still a student