Josh Welsh, longtime president of Movie Unbiased, died Dec. 31 after a five-year battle with colon most cancers. His age was not instantly accessible.
Welsh began out as an actor and began volunteering on the Movie Unbiased Spirit Awards yearly beginning in 1996. He joined the Movie Unbiased employees over 20 years in the past, changing into president in 2012. He oversaw all applications and operations for the nonprofit, rising the group’s employees, price range, programming slate and membership.
“We’re devastated by the lack of Josh Welsh,” stated Movie Unbiased Board Chair Brenda Robinson. “Josh was a tireless champion of impartial voices, a trusted arts chief and a cherished colleague and buddy. The work we do at Movie Unbiased has by no means been extra essential and we are going to honor his legacy by persevering with to construct on the inspiration he established. Our hearts exit to his household.”
Beneath his management, Movie Unbiased was capable of deepen partnerships with studios, NGOs and governments, and prolonged its worldwide attain by partnering with the State Division on the World Media Makers Program. A tireless advocate for filmmakers, Welch expanded the organizations dedication to selling variety within the movie business.
Earlier than he served as president, Welsh was liable for planning and implementing Movie Unbiased’s Artist Improvement applications for over a decade.
He earned a Ph.D in philosophy from Johns Hopkins U. and a B.A. in philosophy from Kenyon School. He additionally served as lead singer within the alt-country band Meatyard, which can launch an album later this 12 months.
A number of filmmakers commented on the Instagram put up asserting his dying. Barry Jenkins stated, “An incredible human being. Simply the best possible of us.”
“Josh, my buddy,” wrote Sian Heder, “You made each room extra enjoyable, hotter and extra related. You believed in me after I wasn’t positive whether or not to consider in myself. Thanks for championing so many filmmakers and artists.”
James Ponsoldt wrote, “You had been probably the most fantastic human, Josh. You advocated endlessly for thus many individuals. You had been the definition of selfless. Your kindness was limitless. You can be an inspiration for the remainder of my life. I already miss you. Thanks, my buddy.”
“Such a gorgeous, type, pretty man. Each interplay with Josh was such a heat and blissful one. My condolences to his pals, household and colleagues,” wrote Jeremy Podeswa.
He’s survived by his spouse Bonnie Gavel and daughter Isla Welsh.