Margaret Byrne is a renowned filmmaker, distinguished by her multifaceted expertise in directing, producing, and cinematography. Her latest documentary, Any Given Day (America Reframed, 2022),is a longitudinal exploration of four Chicagoans navigating the complexities of living with mental illness, showcasing her skill in crafting intimate and thought-provoking stories.
Byrne's previous work, Raising Bertie (POV, 2017),is an exemplary example of her ability to craft poignant and character-driven narratives, as she chronicles the lives of three rural North Carolina teens whose opportunities are threatened when their alternative school is forced to close.
Currently, Byrne is in production on a documentary that sheds light on the largest police frame-up scandal in US history, further demonstrating her commitment to shedding light on pressing social issues through her work.
In addition to her directing and producing credits, Byrne has also worked as a cinematographer on over a dozen films, including The Big Payback (2022),Surge (2020),Waging Change (2019),Generation Wealth (2018),All the Queen's Horses (2017),and American Promise (2014),showcasing her versatility and technical expertise.
Byrne is also a dedicated educator, teaching documentary cinematography at Columbia College Chicago, and is the founder of Beti Films, a film collective based in Chicago, which aims to provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives in the film industry.