Elisa Iannacone
United Kingdom
Biography
Elisa is a cinematographer and investigative journalist merging documentary reportage with magical realism. A Canon Ambassador with experience across six continents, she specializes in documenting the psychological layers of trauma and resilience. Her career began in Toronto’s broadcast industry, shooting studio series and drama, before transitioning into high-stakes conflict reporting (BBC, VICE). This trajectory—from controlled studio environments to volatile field production—has forged a versatile and innovative aesthetic.
Represented by Rezo agency, she founded Reframe House to address impactful topics through multimedia. Elisa’s work is recognized by the 2024 Alfred Fried Peace Medal, Nobel Peace Prize Legacy prize in partnership with UNESCO, and the 2025 Annual Photographer of the Year. Her imagery is held in the permanent collections of the Austrian Parliament and the South African Constitutional Court.
Following an American Photography 41 showcase in NYC last fall, her work will feature prominently at the Rotterdam Photo Festival this March. As a new mother, she continues to travel and shoot globally, maintaining a rigorous international schedule with her baby, who has already visited more countries than months lived on earth. Elisa is committed to mentoring the next generation, leveraging her platform as a dedicated advocate for underrepresented voices to prove that image-making is a primary vehicle for reclaiming agency, systemic change, and global impact.
Project
“Hope In the Rubble” by Elisa Iannacone is a powerful documentary photography project made in Ukraine that reflects on the inner lives, imagination and resilience of children living through war. Instead of focusing solely on devastation, Iannacone worked closely with each child in conversation with art therapists to create magical-realist scenes that bring their dreams, fears and coping strategies to life — using real props and costumes chosen by the children themselves.
The series captures how young people endure loss, fear and disruption while holding onto fragile hopes and mental escapes, whether seeking solace in fantasy, recalling memories of comfort, or envisioning a future beyond conflict. Designed as an anti-war statement, Hope In the Rubble highlights the emotional and psychological toll of war on its youngest victims and invites viewers to connect more deeply with their stories of courage, imagination and shared humanity.
