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➜ From the ⬤ South Bronx ➜ ⬤ Sesame Street ➜ ⬤ And Beyond .

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.

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Written & Directed by

Ernie Bustamante

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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

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