San Antonio Welcomes Back Talented Filmmaker and Activist Sonya Rosario
San Antonio has a rich cultural fabric, and it’s about to get even richer with the return of Sonya Rosario, an accomplished filmmaker, writer, and activist. At the age of 66, this talented San Antonio-born artist is making waves in her hometown after a life filled with unique experiences and exhilarating adventures across the globe.
Rosario’s journey began as a military child, traveling the world with her Air Force family. From the picturesque landscapes of Italy at Aviano Air Base to the enchanting charms of the Netherlands and the idyllic Azores, her surroundings inspired her creativity and activism. Back then, little did she know, the world would shape her into the woman she is today. Now, Rosario finds herself back in San Antonio, almost like a newcomer in her own hometown.
A Cultural Coming-of-Age
One of the standout stories Rosario shares is how she chose not to celebrate a traditional quinceañera during her family’s stint stationed in the North Atlantic. Instead, her literary-focused mother proposed a different kind of adventure. “Then go to Russia and find the beauty of Tolstoy’s stories. Go find his Russia,” her mother advised. And at 15, Rosario took that advice, visiting Moscow and Leningrad with a Dutch tour group.
Finding Identity Through Art
Now back at last in San Antonio, where she attended school until the fourth grade, Rosario feels she is reestablishing her roots. “I am a San Antonio girl,” she says. However, her travels and experiences have given her a unique lens through which she views the world. As a self-identified mestiza, encompassing both Mexican-American and indigenous identities, Rosario draws deeply from her diverse heritage. “In Idaho, I would find my connection to my indigenous spirit and voice, as a mestizo,” she explains, emphasizing the transformative power of her experiences.
A Comeback Celebration
This Saturday promises to be an exciting day for Rosario. At the Central Library, she will be screening her film Idaho’s Forgotten War, which showcases the remarkable feats of tribal chairwoman Amy Trice of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. This film recounts the unique story of how Trice declared war on the U.S. government in 1974 over the lack of a treaty, which left the Kootenai without reservation land. It’s an inspiring tale of courage and community spirit, critiquing the historical narrative regarding Native American tribes.
Creating a New Home
After living in various parts of the world for three decades, Rosario has finally settled in San Antonio, bringing her wealth of experiences along. With a heart that echoes her upbringing in a military environment, she reflects on the challenges of identity. “When you grow up on a military base, you really don’t know who you are. Your identity is not clear to your own self,” she shares. But now, she is determined to build connections and make San Antonio her true home.
A Bright Future Ahead
During the film screening event on Saturday, Rosario won’t be alone. On the panel, she will be joined by prominent figures like former Idaho Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb, the first African American to serve in that state’s legislature, and Amethyst Aitken, Chief Trice’s granddaughter. All of them are passionate voices advocating for social justice and empowering local communities.
As San Antonio embraces a talented daughter returning home, there is a clear sense of excitement for the bright future ahead. With her film and activism, Rosario is on a mission to tell stories that matter, inspire change, and give the indigenous community a louder voice. Welcome back, Sonya Rosario! We can’t wait to see what you do next!
