Josh Welsh, Longtime Film Independent President, Dies at 2024's End

Welsh, who led the organization since 2012, passed away after a five-year battle with colon cancer, leaving a legacy of championing diversity and independent filmmakers.

• Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent since 2012, died peacefully at home on December 31, 2024, surrounded by his wife and daughter, after a prolonged fight with colon cancer.
• Under Welsh's leadership, Film Independent significantly expanded its staff, budget, programming, and membership, with membership more than doubling during his tenure.
• Welsh was instrumental in deepening strategic partnerships with studios, NGOs, and governments, including the State Department's Global Media Makers Program, which increased the organization's international reach.
• He was a passionate advocate for diversity in the film industry, overseeing programs like Project Involve and numerous artist development initiatives supporting underrepresented filmmakers.
• Beyond his work in film, Welsh was the lead singer of the alt-country band Meatyard, which recently completed an album set to release later this year.

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