Press
“In a world where children’s media shifts faster than ever — and public broadcasting faces existential threats — Street Smart arrives as both a celebration and a warning. By the time it reaches wider audiences in 2026, its message may feel even more urgent.”
“It’s ridiculous that there’s never been a documentary about Sonia Manzano. Luckily for everyone, filmmaker Ernie Bustamante is about to right that cinematic wrong. Her story is fascinating and valuable, and the boundaries she’s pushed and even broken down are innumerable.”
Review: “Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon – ‘Tía’ Maria”
WNYC - ALL OF IT WITH ALISON STEWART
“DOC NYC: "Street Smart" Celebrates Maria of 'Sesame Street'”
Review: “Street Smart: The Sonia Manzano Documentary”
SARAH G. VINCENT (ROTTEN TOMATOES–APPROVED CRITIC)
Review: “A poignant and stunning feature debut.”
“New documentary examines life of ‘Sesame Street’ trailblazer Sonia Manzano”
“Maria from ‘Sesame Street’ reveals she had flirtatious chemistry with Oscar the Grouch — and loved his wildly inappropriate quips”
“‘Sesame Street’ icon Sonia Manzano on legacy, her new documentary, and the ‘cruelty’ of defunding public media”
“Sonia Manzano Talks Her Legendary 44-Year Run as Maria on 'Sesame Street' (EXCLUSIVE) ORIGINAL”
“Sonia Manzano’s story comes to life in “Street Smart: Lessons From a TV Icon””
“Sonia Manzano gives ‘Lessons From a TV Icon'”
“Sonia Manzano Shares How Robin Williams Became Her Favorite Sesame Street Guest, Despite Ignoring Most of Her Script (Exclusive)”
“'Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon'”
“Maria From Sesame Street, Sonia Manzano, Remembers Being Scolded for 'Throwing in a Lot of Spanglish' on the Show (Exclusive)”
“DOC NYC Unveils 16th Annual Film Lineup”
“Midday Edition live from San Diego Comic-Con!”
Review: “Being Street Smart on Jefferson at the Oak Cliff Film Festival”
“The Oak Cliff Film Festival wants you to come back to the theater for real movies”
Review: “The Nostalgic and Sweet Street Smart Lets Sonia Manzano Tell Her Story”
“Geena Davis-Led Bentonville Film Festival Announces 2025 Lineup, Honors For Lucy Liu, Al Roker”