Ernie Bustamante

Ernie Bustamante is an Emmy-nominated television writer, documentary filmmaker, and educator available for guest lectures, panels, workshops, classroom visits, and campus conversations. Drawing on more than fifteen years of experience in television and film, he speaks on Latino representation in media, television comedy writing, children’s television, documentary filmmaking, independent filmmaking and distribution, building a career in Hollywood, and creating opportunities for first-generation and underrepresented storytellers. His presentations can be tailored for film and television, screenwriting, communications, media studies, Latino studies, ethnic studies, education, and interdisciplinary audiences.

Ernie is also available to bring his award-winning documentary STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon to colleges, universities, schools, museums, and community organizations for special screenings followed by a conversation or Q&A. Centered on Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on Sesame Street for more than four decades, the film provides a starting point for conversations about Latino representation, children’s media, education, television history, storytelling, and the importance of seeing yourself represented on screen. Screenings can be paired with classroom visits, panel discussions, workshops, or broader campus and community events.