Joseph Strickland, a dynamic and multidimensional creative individual, entered the world on November 9, 1962, in the culturally rich and bustling metropolis of Chicago, Illinois, a city renowned for its eclectic blend of artistic expression, architectural marvels, and warm Midwestern hospitality.
Strickland's remarkable journey as a professional began in the 1980s, when he embarked on a path that would lead him to become a respected member of the esteemed Writer's Guild of America West Coast.
During the 1980s, Strickland's passion for art and writing led him to enroll at Columbia College of Chicago, where he had the opportunity to work on a variety of student film projects alongside his peers, including a future collaborator, Tim O'Neill.
In 1989, Strickland co-produced and co-directed a short feature film titled Daily Mass alongside O'Neill, marking an early collaboration that would likely influence his future creative endeavors.
The film "Daily Mass" would go on to garner significant attention and acclaim, ultimately being showcased as a featured attraction at the esteemed 24th Chicago International Film Festival.
In the year 1985, a significant milestone was reached in the creative journey of Strickland, as he penned an original screenplay titled The Epidemic, marking a notable departure from his earlier works.
Fast forward to 1992, Strickland once again showcased his writing prowess by crafting another script, this time inspired by the highly publicized Jeffrey Dahmer trial, which sent shockwaves throughout the nation.
The new treatment, aptly titled Dual Mania, unfolded as a gripping psychological thriller centered around an African American psychiatrist, whose unique perspective and expertise would be put to the test as he took on a White male patient grappling with the profound and far-reaching consequences of childhood issues.
Notable emerging filmmaker Strickland was afforded the esteemed opportunity to serve as a judge on the feature film panel at the 32nd Chicago International Film Festival in the year 1996, an event that showcased a diverse range of critically acclaimed films, including the thought-provoking drama Twilight of the Golds, the critically acclaimed independent film Sling Blade, and the highly successful action-thriller The Fugitive, all of which garnered significant attention and acclaim within the film industry.
Noted film industry professional, Strickland, was extended a prestigious invitation to participate in a high-profile capacity at the 14th Annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival in the year 1997.
Fifteen years into the 20th century, Strickland made a triumphant comeback to the esteemed 15th Annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival, taking on the esteemed role of Chair of the Features Jury within the adult jury panel, where he bestowed his esteemed praise upon a select few cinematic masterpieces, including the critically acclaimed "The Island on Bird Street", the thought-provoking "Hands Up", and the visually stunning "Bavel's Book".
Joseph Strickland, a notable figure in the world of filmmaking, has had the privilege of co-authoring a remarkable book titled "The Making of Dual Mania: Filmmaking Chicago Style". This collaborative endeavour was made possible through the combined efforts of Strickland, along with esteemed author and theater critic B.J. Patterson, and the talented author Cat Ellington, who just so happens to be Strickland's spouse.
