Documentary Feature Film, 1 hour 25 minutes, Rio Grande Valley Premiere

Synopsis:

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 a 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.

Ernie Bustamante

Bio:

Ernie Bustamante is an Emmy-nominated TV writer turned indie filmmaker. His work centers Latino characters and draws from his roots in the Arizona desert. 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. His debut feature documentary, STREET SMART: LESSONS FROM A TV ICON, tells the story of trailblazer Sonia Manzano—aka “Maria” from SESAME STREET—and how she changed American TV forever. 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.