NYC PREMIERE Sonia Manzano, best known as “Maria” on Sesame Street, shares her inspiring journey from childhood in the Bronx to becoming a trailblazing television icon. Through her own words, and with appearances by Stephen Schwartz, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and more, STREET SMART celebrates Manzano’s groundbreaking work as an actress and Emmy-winning writer while exploring life after Sesame Street. This uplifting portrait honors a beloved Latina role model who made an impressive and indelible mark on children’s television. – Karen McMullen
The first screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Ernie Bustamante and film protagonist Sonia Manzano.
All in-person screening venues provide sound amplification headphones upon request with venue management. IFC Center can also provide a T-Coil loop for compatible devices.
Director: Ernie Bustamante
Producer: Maor Azran, Ernie Bustamante, Steven Canals
Executive Producer: Destina Orozco, Emilio Orozco, Elyssa Bustamante, Renee Cafaro, Jim Helmink, Brian Mathy, Kristy Rider, Samantha Siberini, Veronica Juarez
Cinematographer: Taylor Gentry, Charles Swanson, Adam Weinberg
Editor: Sean Puglisi
Language: English
Year: 2025