STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon

genres:

Arts
|
Biography
|
Documentary
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.

In-Person

AFS Cinema

May 14

Credits

Director(s):

Ernie Bustamante

Biography(s):

Ernie Bustamante is an Emmy-nominated TV writer turned indie filmmaker. Trained in the writers’ rooms of network television, he has written for multiple series, developed pilots for major studios, and created the award-winning satirical web series Border Patrol. STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon is his debut feature documentary. Ernie is based in West Hollywood and serves as an Assistant Professor of Screenwriting at LMU. He holds a BA from Stanford and an MFA from UCLA.

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Details

Premiere Status:

Austin Premiere

event types:

Film

sections:

Showcase Features

Year:

2025

Running Time:

83

Language(s):

English

venue

venues:

AFS Cinema