Josh Welsh, Longtime Film Independent President, Dies

Josh Welsh, Film Independent’s longtime president, has passed away.

Welsh, who served as president of Film Independent since 2012, died peacefully on Tuesday at home with his wife and daughter after a five-year battle with colon cancer, according to a representative from the organization. His age was not immediately available.

Serving as president of Film Independent for over a decade, Welsh bolstered the organization’s advocacy for filmmakers and commitment to promoting diversity in the industry. In his role overseeing all of the nonprofit’s programs and operations, he was responsible for growing Film Independent’s staff, budget, programming slate and membership,

His tenure also saw deepened strategic partnerships with studios, NGOs and governments, as well as increased international reach through the organization’s relationship with the State Department on the Global Media Makers Program.

“We are devastated by the loss of Josh Welsh,” Film Independent’s Board Chair Brenda Robinson said. “Josh was a tireless champion of independent voices, a trusted arts leader and a cherished colleague and friend. 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 established. Our hearts go out to his family.”

More to come …

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