Biography

Reilly McHugh is a young filmmaker and photographer from New Jersey. She graduated summa cum laude from Montclair State University in 2023 with a BFA in Filmmaking and a minor in Classics. During her time at Montclair, Reilly volunteered on student sets as a director, cinematographer, editor, script supervisor, or photographer. She also served as the secretary of the Zeta chapter of Lambda Phi Eta (the National Communications Honor Society), and was awarded the Newman Award for Film as a senior. Her thesis project, Tangerine Drum Machine, was recognized as an official selection of both the Montclair and New Hope Film Festivals, winning Best Student Film and the Audience Choice Award at the latter.

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Reilly has spent the past several years working at a portrait photography studio while continuing to add to her portfolio on film sets, most notably for Coca Cola Refreshing Films in early 2024. She enjoys freelance photography and continues to brainstorm for her next film project. Her goals include directing a feature and continuing to create art and tell stories that explore the depth of human emotion. In her free time, Reilly loves to read (her favorite book is Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express), listen to music, and spend time with her family.