Josh Welsh, longtime president of Movie Unbiased, died Dec. 31 after a five-year combat with colon most cancers. His age was once no longer straight away to be had.
Welsh began out as an actor and began volunteering on the Movie Unbiased Spirit Awards yearly beginning in 1996. He joined the Movie Unbiased group of workers over twenty years in the past, turning into president in 2012. He oversaw all techniques and operations for the nonprofit, rising the group’s group of workers, funds, programming slate and club.
“We’re devastated via the lack of Josh Welsh,” mentioned Movie Unbiased Board Chair Brenda Robinson. “Josh was once a tireless champion of impartial voices, a depended on arts chief and a liked colleague and good friend. The paintings we do at Movie Unbiased hasn’t ever been extra important and we can honor his legacy via proceeding to construct at the basis he established. Our hearts cross out to his circle of relatives.”
Beneath his management, Movie Unbiased was once in a position to deepen partnerships with studios, NGOs and governments, and prolonged its world succeed in via partnering with the State Division at the World Media Makers Program. A tireless suggest for filmmakers, Welsh expanded the organizations dedication to selling variety within the movie business.
Earlier than he served as president, Welsh was once accountable for making plans and imposing Movie Unbiased’s Artist Construction techniques for over a decade.
He earned a Ph.D in philosophy from Johns Hopkins U. and a B.A. in philosophy from Kenyon Faculty. He additionally served as lead singer within the alt-country band Meatyard, which can unlock an album later this yr.
A number of filmmakers commented on the Instagram publish saying his demise. Barry Jenkins mentioned, “An amazing human being. Simply the very best people.”
“Josh, my good friend,” wrote Sian Heder, “You made each room extra a laugh, hotter and extra attached. You believed in me once I wasn’t certain whether or not to consider in myself. Thanks for championing such a lot of filmmakers and artists.”
James Ponsoldt wrote, “You had been essentially the most glorious human, Josh. You advocated ceaselessly for such a lot of other folks. You had been the definition of selfless. Your kindness was once infinite. You’re going to be an inspiration for the remainder of my existence. I already pass over you. Thanks, my good friend.”
“The sort of gorgeous, type, beautiful guy. Each and every interplay with Josh was once this sort of heat and satisfied one. My condolences to his buddies, circle of relatives and co-workers,” wrote Jeremy Podeswa.
He’s survived via his spouse Bonnie Gavel and daughter Isla Welsh.
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