Joseph McMahan
Volunteer:
Founder and President, Siouxland Filmmakers Club
Co-founder, Tristate Depth of Field Film Festival
Inspirational and Historical Film Festival
Briar Cliff University Alumni Board
What are you passionate about, and how do you use your voice/talent to make
difference?
Storytelling is what I’m most passionate about because it has the power to inform, connect, and inspire people. For the past eight years as a television news photojournalist, I’ve helped tell stories ranging from breaking news and natural disasters to uplifting community moments, giving a voice to people during some of the most important moments of their lives. Beyond news, I started the Siouxland Filmmakers Club to create opportunities for local filmmakers to collaborate, learn, and share their own stories. Whether through journalism, documentaries, or community filmmaking, I use my skills to preserve experiences, foster understanding, and strengthen the communities I serve.
What is your vision for the future of Siouxland?
My vision for Siouxland is to become a thriving creative hub where artists, storytellers, and creators can build careers and collaborate across disciplines. I see a community where painting, photography, writing, filmmaking, music, and other arts are celebrated as essential to our identity and economy. I want Siouxland to be known as a place that attracts and retains creative talent by offering opportunities to learn, create, and share meaningful work. By embracing the arts and investing in creative spaces and programs, Siouxland can foster innovation, strengthen community connections, and become a destination where creativity is valued and encouraged.
What are you doing to make that happen?
I’m working to make that vision a reality by creating opportunities for artists and filmmakers to connect and grow. Also working on getting my MFA in Documentary Filmmaking to educate myself more. I founded the Siouxland Filmmakers Club to bring together local creatives through networking, workshops, screenings, and collaboration. I’ve also partnered with organizations like the Siouxland Inspirational and Historical Film Festival and the Tri-State Depth of Field Film Festival to expand opportunities for filmmakers and strengthen the region’s creative community. My goal is to help build a lasting network that supports local talent, encourages new voices, and demonstrates that Siouxland is a place where the arts can flourish.
How can people help you make that happen?
People can help by supporting local artists, attending community events, and investing in creative opportunities throughout Siouxland. Whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, sponsoring events, or simply showing up to screenings, exhibitions, and performances, every contribution helps strengthen our creative community. I also encourage local businesses, schools, and organizations to partner with artists and arts groups to create more opportunities for collaboration. Building a vibrant arts community takes all of us, and by working together, we can create an environment where creativity is valued, supported, and accessible to everyone.
What quote inspires you?
“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world,” John
Keating (Robin Williams), Dead Poets Society.
