Short Biography
Sonya Rosario is an independent filmmaker, owner and CEO of Sonya Rosario Productions, founded in 2000 and lives in Idaho. An Award-winning filmmaker, dedicated to give voice to women living on reservations and in rural Idaho, so that their voices are not forgotten or diminished, as they leave a significant marker through activism and legislature.
Sonya Rosario was born in San Antonio, Texas, where she was highly influenced by the Mexican culture and women in her family, starting with her mother, Gloria, who were storytellers, poets, musicians, and community organizers. Sonya also grew up in Italy, Holland and Azores, Portugal – as a military brat while her father served in the U.S. Air Force. Her film The Sofa Diaries, dedicated to her mother, Gloria Reyes, a significant influence in her life followed by Amy Trice, former Chairwoman of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, who was the only documented woman to declare a war on the US Government, as a Sovereign Nation in 1974 (the basis for the film: Idaho’s Forgotten War). The cornerstone of Sonya Rosario Productions is built on the cultural experiences and enriching history that has inspired the work cultivated throughout the artist’s life. Notable business affiliations include founding the Women of Color Alliance in 1999, and being the Executive Director from 1999-2016; Organizer for United Vision for Idaho a political watchdog organization in 1998-2004 and a Family Advocate for Head Start from 1995-1998. Civic/nonprofit affiliations include; working with the Latino Economic and Development Center, Ann Frank Memorial Center and Idaho Women’s Network to name a few. Recent awards include Idaho Business Review nomination for Women of the Year 2020, Geena Davis-Bentonville Film Festival Award (1st Place in 2016) and the Idaho Hometown Hero Award in 2016 from JRM Foundation.