The world of independent cinema is in mourning as the new year arrives, following the death of Film Independent president Josh Welsh.
Welsh, whose age was not available, had been battling colon cancer for five years before his death, according to Deadline.
He passed away peacefully with his wife Bonnie Gavel and daughter Isla Welsh by his side.
Welsh began his entertainment career as an actor before beginning to volunteer at the Film Independent Spirit Awards starting in 1996.
He eventually joined the staff of Film Independent more than 20 years ago and was named president of the organization in 2012.
“We are devastated by the loss of Josh Welsh,” said Film Independent board chair Brenda Robinson.
The world of independent cinema is in mourning as the new year arrives, following the death of Film Independent president Josh Welsh.
Welsh, whose age was not available, had been battling colon cancer for five years before his death, according to Deadline.
“We are devastated by the loss of Josh Welsh,” said Film Independent board chair Brenda Robinson (right, pictured in February 2024).
“Josh was a tireless advocate for independent voices, a trusted artistic leader, and a dear colleague and friend,” he added.
‘The work we do at Film Independent has never been more needed and we will honor his legacy by continuing to build on the foundations he laid. Our hearts are with his family,’ he concluded.
He was also part of an alternative country music group called Meatyard, which had recorded an album that would be released later this year.
Welsh’s Instagram that bears the group’s name also announced his passing in a heartfelt post on Wednesday.
“Dear friends, Josh left his guitar and went to sing with the angels on the last day of 2024,” the post began.
‘With broken hearts, we celebrate his tremendous life force; their generosity and their love of connection. We will carry him in our hearts forever,’ the publication concluded.
Several independent filmmakers commented on the post to share their condolences, including James Ponsoldt (The Spectacular Now).
‘You were the most wonderful human being, Josh. He advocated endlessly for so many people. You were the definition of selfless. Your kindness was limitless. You will be an inspiration for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Thank you, my friend,” he said.
Welsh’s Instagram that bears the group’s name also announced his passing in a heartfelt post on Wednesday.
Several independent filmmakers commented on the post to share their condolences, including James Ponsoldt (The Spectacular Now)
Moonlight director Barry Jenkins added: ‘A tremendous human being. Simply the best of us.’
Jeremy Podeswa (Game of Thrones) added: “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Such a beautiful, kind and charming man. Every interaction with Josh was very warm and happy. My deepest condolences to his friends, family and colleagues.’
Coda director Sian Heder added: “Josh, my friend.” You made every room more fun, more harmonious and more connected. You believed in me when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself. Thank you for defending so many filmmakers and artists. I’ll miss you.’
Ava DuVernay (Selma) added: ‘What a man. What a gift. To have known him is to have smiled and felt the warmth of that light, of such a strong vital force. Thanks, josh. Grateful to have crossed paths with you here. Until the next place, my friend.
After joining the staff at Film Independent, he was responsible for Film Independent’s Artist Development programme, which he led for over a decade.
Some of those programs included Filmmaker Labs, Fast Track and Grants Program, and he also spent four years in Film Independent’s signature diversity program, Project Involve.
Welsh also served as Film Independent’s year-round industry liaison for filmmakers on artist development programs.
He also worked in the Programming Department at Film Independent, where he helped select films for several different screening series.
Moonlight director Barry Jenkins added: ‘A tremendous human being. Simply the best of us.’
Jeremy Podeswa (Game of Thrones) added: “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Such a beautiful, kind and charming man. Every interaction with Josh was very warm and happy. My deepest condolences to his friends, family and colleagues.
Coda director Sian Heder added: “Josh, my friend.” You made every room more fun, more harmonious and more connected. You believed in me when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself. Thank you for defending so many filmmakers and artists. I’ll miss you.’
Ava DuVernay (Selma) added: ‘What a man. What a gift. To have known him is to have smiled and felt the warmth of that light, of such a strong vital force. Thanks, josh. Grateful to have crossed paths with you here. See you again in the next place, my friend.
Since becoming president of Film Independent in 2012, he has helped grow the organization by leaps and bounds.
Staff size, budget and program increased under his leadership, including a more than 100% increase in membership.
During Welsh’s tenure, Film Independent has “deepened its strategic partnerships with studios, NGOs and governments, and increased its international reach by partnering with the State Department on the Global Media Makers program,” according to Film Independent’s website.
It has expanded the organization’s commitment to promoting diversity in the film industry and amplified Film Independent’s role as an advocate for filmmakers.