We recently connected with Mila Tenaglia and have shared our conversation below.

Mila, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Being a freelancer often pushes you out of your comfort zone, and that’s something I’ve embraced fully. In my field, there are two key ways to work: crafting and editing a story from beginning to end or having an overarching view of the entire process. Both require a deep commitment to storytelling and organization.

Creative production is about connecting all the moving pieces—visuals, stories, and people—into a cohesive and impactful result. It’s both challenging and rewarding because it allows me to bring visions to life, whether they originate from a client or from my own ideas. I knew this was a path worth pursuing because it combines my passion for storytelling with the practical skills needed to make it a reality.

As a documentary photographer, I thrive on capturing portraits of people in the streets during significant moments. Whether documenting the protests for George Floyd, Italian-American parades with immigrants, or pivotal events like when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, I use my lens to tell stories that connect people and preserve the emotions of those moments. I then pitch these portraits to magazines and newspapers, further expanding their reach and impact.

When clients come to me, they often need help with filming—finding the right locations, uncovering compelling stories, or crafting the perfect interview questions. Sometimes, a director can’t be physically present, so I step in to act as their eyes and ears. This means managing camera operators, handling on-set dynamics, and ensuring the creative vision comes to life seamlessly. It’s a dynamic and creative process, almost like “live storytelling.”

On the other hand, there are times when I take the initiative and bring ideas to clients. Whether pitching a new documentary project, curating a film festival lineup, or building an event from scratch, these moments are about imagining the possibilities and turning them into reality.

Mila, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a creative producer with a deep passion for documentaries, news, and photography. I also serve as a festival director, curating compelling film lineups that resonate with U.S. audiences, particularly in cities like New York and Philadelphia and before the conflict, in Russia too. The common thread in all my work is creatively building stories, structures, and connections. Whether it’s finding the perfect narrative, deciding what and how to film, or pushing myself beyond my comfort zone to experiment and innovate, I thrive on blending creativity with thoughtful planning.

For instance, last March, I launched the inaugural edition of Cinema Ritrovato (“Cinema Rediscovered,” dedicated to the history of cinema and originally established in Bologna) in New York City. I curated a lineup of restored Italian silent films from the 1910s and 1920s, highlighting iconic divas of the era. The screenings featured live musical accompaniments and expert panels discussing the cultural significance of these rare masterpieces. TimeOut even named it one of the “10 Most Interesting Free Things to Do in NYC.” That recognition meant a lot—it validated that my creative instincts could connect with audiences in a meaningful way. The four days of screenings and panels sold out and went very well, receiving a lot of positive and interesting feedback.

Another project close to my heart is a documentary I’m currently directing and filming between South Korea and NYC. It explores the fascinating world of Korean shamans, known as Mudang. The project is still in development, but it has been an incredible journey of discovery, revealing the resilience, spirituality, and cultural depth of these figures. It’s an opportunity to immerse myself in an unfamiliar world and share its beauty and complexity through my lens, bridging cultural gaps and bringing this extraordinary tradition to a wider audience.

Pre-production is fundamental in all my work—especially in non-fiction. But there’s also a thrill in the unpredictability of the filmmaking process, where the story can evolve in unexpected ways. That blend of careful planning and spontaneity keeps the work exciting and alive. Last but not least, the human aspect—listening to a story, crafting it, and working on it—is something profoundly deep and beautiful to me

Ultimately, each project reflects my belief in the power of storytelling and the importance of taking creative risks. Success, I’ve learned, comes not just from recognizing a good idea but from committing to it fully—trusting that with effort, innovation, and a clear vision, it’s possible to create something impactful. What’s equally vital is collaboration. Working with a team is like conducting an orchestra—each person plays a key role, and when everyone brings their best, it’s magic. That synergy is what I strive for in every endeavor.

Finally, I’m Italian and have been living in NYC for the past 13 years. I believe I have a lot to share and to bring from one side of the ocean to the other. This dual perspective constantly informs my work, adding depth and nuance to everything I create.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I recently worked on three short reports for an Italian TV program about the U.S. elections. It was a challenging month on the road across the States, traveling with a camera operator and a journalist. My task was to develop three major topics, finding the right stories that not only aligned with the editorial vision but also resonated visually and emotionally with the audience.

The process was intense—balancing story availability, visual appeal, and logistical constraints. Questions like, “How do we cover this story in a compelling way? Is this story strong enough to captivate viewers?” were constantly on my mind. The journalist, coming from Italy, was unfamiliar with the nuances of working in the U.S. and relied on me to provide a creative lead during pre-production and production. This included developing story angles, securing access, and ensuring she could focus on her role without distractions—all while trusting my intuition and suggestions.

Logistically, it was grueling. We covered six states, drove countless miles, and took multiple flights, often operating on tight schedules. Despite the challenges, the outcome exceeded expectations. We delivered compelling, visually impactful stories that connected deeply with the Italian audience, making all the effort and resilience worth it.

What I love about my work is that my background in journalism allows me to contribute to the authorial and writing aspects of creating a story. This means I know how to craft narratives, conduct interviews, and even support the journalist by suggesting additional angles or topics to explore. It’s equally important to approach the production with an understanding of how the piece will be edited. Knowing what’s needed for post-production helps ensure we capture the right elements in the field, making the final product cohesive and impactful.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the freedom to explore and work with imagination while staying grounded to achieve clear missions and goals. This balance between creativity and practicality is incredibly fulfilling.

Freedom also means the opportunity to travel extensively, immerse myself in different cultures, and collaborate with diverse people. Each experience enriches my perspective and fuels my creative process, allowing me to bring unique and meaningful ideas to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.milatenaglia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mila.tenaglia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensi.mila.7
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mila-tenaglia

Image Credits

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