CoquieHughes is an award-winning independent filmmaker, writer, and director celebrated for pushing the boundaries of storytelling through bold, innovative, and emotionally resonant narratives. Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, Coquie has spent nearly three decades creating thought-provoking films that center Black, LGBTQ+, and urban experiences with honesty, heart, and depth.

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A true pioneer in micro-budget filmmaking, Coquie has mastered the craft of producing visually dynamic and engaging stories using limited resources—often leveraging smartphone technology to bring her cinematic visions to life. Her expansive body of work includes more than 25 feature films, web series, and short films.

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Outside of filmmaking, Coquie is the founder of Lights Camera Youth Action, a nonprofit organization that trains and empowers young people to work behind the scenes in film and television. She is also the visionary behind Pocket Set Studios, a media-tech startup specializing in tools, accessories, and educational experiences for smartphone filmmakers.

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Currently, Coquie is developing her next feature film, the historical drama She Too Bad for History, which follows the powerful journey of four West Side Chicago women in the late 1960s who join the Black Panther Party after being arrested. Through their eyes, the film explores justice, sisterhood, and the fight for liberation.

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With a fearless vision and an unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling, Coquie Hughes continues to carve new lanes in independent cinema—proving that powerful stories can be told by anyone, from anywhere, with the right vision.

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Above all, Coquie is a proud mother to two incredible children: her daughter, Peacejourney, a college freshman, and her son, Truth, a high school junior.