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STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon is a feature documentary about Sonia Manzano — known to millions as “Maria” from SESAME STREET.

The film follows Sonia’s remarkable journey, from a young girl in the South Bronx finding refuge in television, to becoming the first Latina on American TV in a regular role, through 44 years on screen on SESAME STREET, and now as the creator of ALMA’S WAY.

Featuring interviews with luminaries, original animation, and scripted scenes that blend humor and heart, this inspirational documentary invites viewers to learn once again from this beloved icon.

Directed by Ernie Bustamante

Sonia Manzano in STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon
Actors (L-R) Elyssa Bustamante as Miss Gloria, Grisselle Escotto as Sonia Manzano, and Andrew Delman as Jon Stone in a dramatized scene from STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon

ORIGINAL INTERVIEWS

Sonia Manzano

Stephen Schwartz

Sonia Sotomayor

Carmen Osbhar-Vertiz

Alison Bartlett

Ryan Dillon

Norman Stiles

Carole Delgado

and others

CAST

Grisselle Escotto

Misha Gonzales-Cirkl 

Angelo Kern

Andrew Delman

Jillian Dunn

Elyssa Bustamante

ILLUSTRATIONS BY

Jeffrey Aviles