We are 18 percent of the population and growing rapidly, there’s a general feeling that we could be as much as 30 percent of the population within the next 10 years. We represent almost 60 million people in the United States. What’s exciting to see is the dialogue starting to take place in our country relating to diversity and inclusion, and the impact that it makes, not only economically, but what it means for our country. Hispanic Heritage Month should play an integral part in our communities, our country, and frankly, in our industry. It’s about Latinos and Hispanics celebrating the richness of our culture and the fact that we play an incredible economic labor force and consumer base in this country. It started by the fact that seven countries basically celebrated their independence day around these dates, but it wasn’t necessarily just locked in on those seven countries. We’re now coming to the end of Hispanic Heritage Month––that runs from September 15 to October 15––and it’s a chance to take into consideration what makes the month so special. In particular, when you think about the fact that one in every four customers to come through our doors happened to be of Hispanic heritage. Hispanic and Latinos play an incredible part in our industry. So to preface our conversation, let’s start with a basic question as it relates to the cinema business: what role do Hispanic audiences play in our industry? And that’s really a missed opportunity, I think, for a number of reasons. It was an interesting exchange because it shows how this month––a chance to celebrate and unite all Latin American and Hispanic people in the United States––we have a tendency, even within our own community, to overlook it amongst ourselves. You came up to me before a panel we were doing and asked, “Do you know what day it is?” and instinctively I said, “It’s Mexican Independence Day.” And you said, “Well, yes, it is, but it’s also Hispanic Heritage Month.” Rolando, the last time I saw you in person was at Lake Geneva last year.
Rolando rodriguez rave full#
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ON THE BOXOFFICE PODCAST This interview has been edited for length and clarity. As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, the two engage in a frank discussion on missed opportunities and the future potential in promoting Latin American leaders and audiences alike.
Rolando rodriguez rave pro#
In this conversation with Boxoffice Pro editorial director Daniel Loría, Rodriguez speaks about the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity initiatives in the cinema industry. He was recently named chairman of the National Association of Theatre Owners. Rodriguez returned to the exhibition industry in 2016 as CEO and president of Marcus Theatres, currently the fourth-largest cinema circuit in the United States.
To commemorate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, running September 15-October 15, Boxoffice Pro is republishing our 2020 interview with Marcus Theatres’ and NATO’s Rolando Rodriguez, one of the industry’s premier advocates of diversity in hiring and programming.Ī veteran executive in theatrical exhibition, Rolando Rodriguez held leadership roles at AMC Theatres and Rave Cinemas before a stint as an executive at retail giant Wal-Mart.
0 kommentar(er)
