Films

Sonia Manzano, or Maria from Sesame Street, has never been seen like this. Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon follows Manzano’s life story, beginning with her upbringing in the Bronx and tracking her meteoric rise as the first Latina with a regular role on US television on the hit PBS show Sesame Street.

From Emmy-nominated director Ernie Bustamante, the documentary weaves original animation, reenactments, and interviews together into a wholly engaging and uniquely compelling journey. Manzano’s 44-year career, from her tenure on Sesame Street to her modern work as the executive producer of the series Alma’s Way, comes alive in this inspiring portrait of a creative trailblazer.

Discussion with director Ernie Bustamante