Elisa Gambino is an Emmy award-winning producer who has spent decades in journalism, telling stories from some of the most challenging places in the world. After leaving CNN, Elisa embarked on a journey that took her from reporting on global conflicts to making thought-provoking documentaries, including her latest projects that focus on community, social justice, and global health.
In this episode, Elisa sits down with Christina to discuss her incredible journey from her time at CNN, covering major historical events like the fall of the Berlin Wall and the election of Nelson Mandela, to her shift into documentary filmmaking. She shares her passion for storytelling, the challenges of running her own business, and the impact of her documentaries, including a recent series that influenced a $150 million grant to fix the sewage system in Mount Vernon, New York. Elisa also shares insights into her latest project in the Philippines and her hopes for the future. Check out her latest project, “Welcome to Pine Lake,” which is now available on Delta Airlines’ inflight entertainment channel.
From CNN to Documentary Filmmaking
Elisa’s path to CNN began in an unexpected place—Rome, where her family moved when she was 16. Though her journey into journalism was not initially planned, her fluency in Italian and her determination opened doors at CNN’s Rome bureau in 1987. Starting as a bureau assistant, Elisa quickly found herself thrown into the deep end, covering monumental events like the fall of the Berlin Wall and the revolution in Romania. It was a baptism by fire, but Elisa embraced the challenges, learning on the job and developing a profound passion for storytelling.
Elisa spent many years at CNN, covering some of the most significant global conflicts of the late 20th century, including the war in Bosnia and the election of Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Her dedication and skill eventually earned her an Emmy for her coverage of Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, a testament to her ability to convey the human side of global events.
Despite her success, Elisa found herself increasingly disillusioned with the direction of news coverage at CNN, particularly after moving to the network’s headquarters in Atlanta. The shift from fieldwork to newsroom assignments felt stifling, leading her to seek a new direction—one that would allow her to maintain creative control and focus on stories that truly mattered.
A New Chapter: From Newsroom to Pasta Shop
In a surprising turn, Elisa left CNN in 2001 and opened a pasta shop specializing in fresh pasta in Atlanta. The transition from war zones to the culinary world might seem drastic, but for Elisa, it was an opportunity to create something of her own, to build a community around her love for food. Her shop, Via Elisa, quickly gained popularity, eventually landing her pasta in Whole Foods stores across the Southeast.
However, the 2008 financial crisis hit small businesses hard, and Elisa’s pasta shop was no exception. Despite her best efforts, the business ultimately closed. While the experience was heartbreaking, it also taught Elisa valuable lessons about resilience, community, and the importance of following one’s passion—even in the face of failure.
The Return to Storytelling
After the closure of her pasta business, Elisa found herself at a crossroads. The experience of running a small business had been rewarding yet grueling, and the economic downturn of 2008 had left her questioning her next steps. However, the pull of storytelling—something she had mastered during her years at CNN—proved too strong to resist. Elisa decided to return to her roots, this time with a renewed sense of purpose and the wisdom gained from her diverse experiences.
Elisa partnered with her husband, Neil, who had already established a production company focused on creating compelling visual narratives. This collaboration was a natural fit; the two had met and forged their relationship in the intense environment of international journalism, covering stories from some of the most challenging regions in the world. Now, with the freedom to pursue projects they were passionate about, Elisa and Neil embarked on a new chapter in documentary filmmaking.
As a director and producer, Elisa brought her keen journalistic instincts and her deep understanding of complex social issues to every project. The couple’s work began to focus increasingly on stories that were not just informative but transformative—narratives that could spark conversation, drive social change, and shed light on the often overlooked aspects of community life.
“Welcome to Pine Lake”
One of the most significant projects to emerge from this new phase was the documentary “Welcome to Pine Lake.” Set in a small town just outside Atlanta, Georgia, this film initially set out to explore a unique story of female empowerment. Pine Lake was, at the time of filming, the only town in the United States governed entirely by women—from the mayor to the entire city council, the police chief, and even the judge. Elisa was drawn to the potential of this narrative to illustrate how women could lead differently, perhaps more compassionately and collaboratively than the traditional male-dominated structures.
However, as the filming progressed, Elisa uncovered a more complex and troubling layer to the story. Despite its progressive, female-led government, Pine Lake was engaging in a practice that raised serious ethical concerns. The town’s police force was primarily funded by traffic fines, which disproportionately targeted people of color who drove through a small stretch of road that bordered the town. This system, while legally permissible, was morally questionable, as it effectively taxed the surrounding, predominantly Black communities to fund Pine Lake’s municipal services.
The revelation was a turning point for the documentary. What had begun as a celebration of female leadership evolved into a much broader commentary on systemic racism, economic inequality, and the challenges of self-governance, even in seemingly progressive spaces. The film did not shy away from these uncomfortable truths, instead using them to provoke a deeper conversation about how communities across America are structured and governed. “Welcome to Pine Lake” became a powerful reminder that even well-intentioned leadership must constantly scrutinize its practices to ensure they serve the broader community equitably.
“Wasteland”
Following “Welcome to Pine Lake,” Elisa and Neil took on another ambitious project with the four-part docu-series “Wasteland.” This series delved into the often-overlooked issue of sewage and waste management in the United States, focusing on how inadequate infrastructure can have dire consequences for public health and the environment. Each episode of “Wasteland” highlighted a different community struggling with waste management issues, from the crumbling sewage systems in Mount Vernon, New York, to the contaminated waters of Florida and Iowa.
The series was a stark, unflinching look at how the neglect of essential infrastructure can disproportionately affect marginalized communities. In Mount Vernon, decades of inadequate sewage management had led to raw sewage backing up into homes every time it rained, causing widespread health issues and property damage. Despite repeated pleas for state and federal assistance, the city had been largely ignored—until the release of “Wasteland.” The documentary’s coverage caught the attention of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who was moved to action after seeing the impact of the crisis on the lives of Mount Vernon’s residents. As a result, the state approved a $150 million grant to overhaul the city’s sewage system, demonstrating the profound impact that storytelling can have in driving real, tangible change.
Each of these projects solidified Elisa’s belief in the power of documentary filmmaking as a tool for social justice. Through her work, she continues to shine a light on issues that might otherwise remain in the shadows, using her platform to give voice to those who are often unheard. Whether examining the hidden costs of female leadership in a small town or exposing the devastating effects of infrastructure neglect, Elisa’s documentaries serve as catalysts for awareness and action, reinforcing the idea that every story, no matter how local or specific, has the potential to resonate on a much larger scale.
A Legacy of Impact
Elisa’s work continues to make waves, not just in the film industry but in the lives of the people and communities she highlights. Her most recent project, a documentary about a young boy in the Philippines with a facial difference, underscores her commitment to telling stories that matter. This project, like so many others in Elisa’s career, goes beyond the surface to explore the real, often painful, experiences of those involved. It’s not just about the medical procedures; it’s about the human experience, the trauma, and the resilience required to navigate life’s challenges.
As Elisa reflects on her career, she speaks with pride about the impact her work has had, particularly the $150 million grant influenced by her documentary. For Elisa, this is the pinnacle of her career—using her talents to make a tangible difference in the world.
At 61, Elisa remains as passionate and driven as ever. She dreams of returning to Italy, where her journey began, to continue her work in global health and community storytelling. Her hope is to focus more on projects she generates, using her wealth of experience to create content that not only informs but also inspires and drives change.
The Power of Perseverance and Passion
Elisa Gambino’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the belief that stories can change the world. From the bustling newsrooms of CNN to the quiet communities of America’s heartland, Elisa has dedicated her life to uncovering the truths that matter most. Her work serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to make a difference, reminding us that no matter where we start, it’s the stories we choose to tell and how we tell them that truly define our legacy.
Watch her full episode here:
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