Joseph Strickland (born November 9, 1962) is an accomplished American film director, screenwriter, producer, songwriter, composer, and author hailing from Chicago, Illinois. Strickland’s journey into the arts began in the early 1970s, inspired by the masterpieces of European artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. His passion for visual storytelling deepened in high school when he was introduced to the works of fantasy artists like Frank Frazetta and Boris Vallejo.

Strickland’s fascination with film was equally profound. Growing up, he was a frequent attendee of Saturday matinees, immersing himself in the cinematic worlds crafted by directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Sergio Leone, and John Carpenter. This exposure ignited his interest in filmmaking, leading him to create storyboards and pursue formal art education at Columbia College Chicago in 1983.

While at Columbia, Strickland’s filmmaking aspirations took a significant step forward. He collaborated with fellow student Tim O’Neill on the 16mm short film “Daily Mass” (1988), in which he starred and co-produced. The film was well-received, earning a spot in the 24th Chicago International Film Festival and garnering praise from the esteemed film critic Roger Ebert.

Inspired by the Jeffrey Dahmer trial, Strickland wrote the original screenplay for “Dual Mania,” a psychological suspense thriller set in his hometown of Chicago. He commenced pre-production in 1992, and after wrapping principal photography in 1998, the film faced distribution challenges. Nevertheless, “Dual Mania” finally premiered at the Alternative Film Festival in Toronto in 2018 and had subsequent theatrical releases at the Trylon Cinema in Minneapolis (2020) and the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago (2021).

In addition to his film work, Strickland has made notable contributions to literature and music. His debut nonfiction book, “The Making of Dual Mania: Filmmaking Chicago Style” (2018), was co-authored with B.J. Patterson and Cat Ellington. He also contributed to “Reviews by Cat Ellington: The Complete Anthology, Vol. 5” (2021) and co-authored the “Dual Mania” soundtrack sheet music book (2024).

Strickland’s musical endeavors include the release of two soundtrack albums for “Dual Mania” in 2021, where he served as a songwriter, composer, and executive producer. His artistic legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences, solidifying his place in the FilmmakerLife Hall of Fame.