STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon

Name: STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon
Start: 2026-05-14
End: 2026-05-14
Location: AFS Cinema THEATER #2

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.

✦ Sold out screening? A limited number of standby tickets may be available at the door on a first come, first served basis.

DIRECTOR(S)Ernie Bustamante

DIRECTOR(S) BIOGRAPHYErnie 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.