“Like her most famous role, Sonia has a story for everyone and filmmaker Ernie Bustamante invites you in to listen.”
— TOUGH PIGS
“A poignant and stunning
feature debut.”
— Sarah G. Vincent
ROTTEN TOMATOES Approved Critic
“The doc proves very moving and there’s a lot to learn from Manzano’s story.”
— POV MAGAZINE

A film by Ernie Bustamante

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.

Behind the scenes of the 1984 Sesame Street musical sketch “You Say Hola and I Say Hola,” (written by Sonia Manzano), featuring Emilio Delgado as Luis alongside Manzano as Maria. Photo credit: Bob Jeronimo

Behind the scenes of the 1984 Sesame Street musical sketch “You Say Hola and I Say Hola,” (written by Sonia Manzano), featuring Emilio Delgado as Luis alongside Manzano as Maria. Photo credit: Bob Jeronimo

Sonia Manzano in STREET SMART. Original illustrations by Jeffrey Aviles.

Sonia Manzano in STREET SMART. Original illustrations by Jeffrey Aviles.

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.

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.

Sonia Manzano in STREET SMART.

Sonia Manzano in STREET SMART.