STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon (2025)
DocumentaryComedyFamilyAnimation
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.
Director: Ernie Bustamante
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Sonia Manzano as Self |
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Stephen Schwartz as Self |
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Sonia Sotomayor as Self |
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Alison Bartlett as Self |
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Ryan Dillon as Self |
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Carmen Osbahr as Self |
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Grisselle Escotto as Sonia |
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Angelo Kern as Emilio |
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Andrew Delman as Jon |
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Jillian Dunn as Sesame Street Writer |
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Misha Gonz-Cirkl as Ma |
| Directing | Ernie Bustamante | Director |
| Production | Steven Canals | Producer |
| Production | Maor Azran | Producer |
| Editing | Sean Puglisi | Editor |
| Production | Elyssa Bustamante | Executive Producer |
| Production | Renee Cafaro | Executive Producer |
| Production | Kristy Rider | Executive Producer |
| Production | Jim Helmink | Executive Producer |
| Production | Brian Mathy | Executive Producer |
| Production | Destina Orozco | Executive Producer |
| Production | Emilio Orozco | Executive Producer |
| Writing | Ernie Bustamante | Writer |