Josh Welsh – Film Independent president – passes away after five-year battle with colon cancer

The independent film world is in mourning as the new year dawns and Film Independent president Josh Welsh passes away.

Welsh – whose age was not immediately known – had been battling bowel cancer for five years before his death Term.

He passed away peacefully with his wife Bonnie Gavel and their daughter Isla Welsh by his side.

Welsh began his entertainment career as an actor before volunteering at the Film Independent Spirit Awards from 1996.

He eventually joined the Film Independent staff more than twenty years ago and was named chairman of the organization in 2012.

“We are devastated by the loss of Josh Welsh,” said Brenda Robinson, chairman of Film Independent.

“Josh was a tireless advocate for independent voices, a trusted arts leader and a valued colleague and friend,” she added.

“The work we do at Film Independent has never been more necessary and we will honor his legacy by continuing to build on the foundation he laid. Our thoughts go out to his family,” she concluded.

He was also part of an alt-country music group called Meatyard, which had recorded an album that would be released later this year.

Welsh’s Instagram, named after the group, also announced his death in a heartfelt post on Wednesday.

“Dear friends, Josh put down his guitar and left to sing with the angels on the last day of 2024,” the post began.

‘It is with broken hearts that we celebrate his enormous life force; his generosity and his love for connection. We will carry him in our hearts forever,” the post concludes.

Several independent filmmakers responded to the post to share their condolences, including James Ponsoldt (The Spectacular Now).

“You were a wonderful person, Josh. You have advocated endlessly for so many people. You were the definition of selfless. Your kindness was boundless. You will be an inspiration for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Thank you, my friend,” he said.

Moonlight director Barry Jenkins added: “An amazing human being. Just the very best of us.”

Jeremy Podeswa (Game of Thrones) added: “I’m so sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful, kind, sweet man. Every interaction with Josh was so warm and happy. My condolences to his friends, family and colleagues.’

Coda director Sian Heder added: “Josh, my friend. You’ve made every room nicer, richer, and more connected. You believed in me when I wasn’t sure whether to believe in myself. Thank you for supporting so many filmmakers and artists. I’ll miss you.’

Ava DuVernay (Selma) added: “What a man. What a gift. If you knew him, you smiled and felt warmed by such a light, such a strong life force. Thank you, Jos. Thankful to have crossed paths with you here. See you next time, my friend.’

After joining the Film Independent staff, he was responsible for Film Independent’s Artist Development program, which he led for more than a decade.

Some of those programs included the Filmmaker Labs, Fast Track and the Grants Program, and he also spent four years on Film Independent’s signature diversity program, Project Involve.

Welsh also served as Film Independent’s industry liaison to filmmakers in the Artist Development programs throughout the year.

He also worked in the programming department of Film Independent, where he helped select films for various screening series.

Since becoming Film Independent President in 2012, he has helped the organization grow by leaps and bounds.

Staff size, budget, and program all increased under his watch, including an increase in membership of more than 100%.

During Welsh’s tenure, Film Independent “deepened strategic partnerships with studios, NGOs and governments and expanded international reach by working with the Department of State on the Global Media Makers program,” according to Film Independent’s website.

He has expanded the organization’s commitment to promoting diversity in the film industry and strengthened Film Independent’s role as an advocate for filmmakers.