Remembering a Visionary Leader: Josh Welsh

At the 2025 Independent Spirit Awards, acting president Brenda Robinson paid tribute to longtime Film Independent president Josh Welsh, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Her heartfelt speech celebrated the legacy of a true “visionary” in the film industry.

“Josh is a visionary of the type that comes along once in a lifetime. We want his work and impact to continue on, because he is a great leader,” Robinson expressed onstage, following a standing ovation. “He is a person of exceptional character. I speak about him very deliberately in the present tense, because he is still here. He’s here. We will feel his spirit in the programs he created and the lives of filmmakers he impacted, always and in all ways. Josh is only absent in the body, but the spirit of who Josh is and what he means to this community is forever.”

Robinson continued, “In my final conversation with Josh, just days before the New Year, I told him that I was excited to start the new season and wanted him to be recognized for the example he set of what it means to go on a journey and emerge on the other side. Even though he didn’t hear it then, it’s not too late for us to feel that energy now. Thank you for acknowledging him. We want to honor him and our commitment to keep him ever-present in our aura. So, thank you for standing with me one more time. I invite you to join me again in a standing ovation for the magnificent Josh Welsh. There can never be too much praise for someone as remarkable as him.”

A Legacy of Leadership

The organization announced in early January that Welsh passed away on New Year’s Eve after a courageous five-year battle with colon cancer at the age of 62. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and daughter.

Welsh’s journey in the film industry began as an actor in Los Angeles, where he started volunteering at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in 1996. Over two decades later, he officially joined the staff, eventually rising to co-president with Sean McManus in 2012 after Dawn Hudson’s resignation.

Before becoming president, Welsh dedicated over a decade to designing and implementing Film Independent’s Artist Development programs. This included the Filmmaker Labs for Directors, Screenwriters, Producers, and Documentarians, as well as the Fast Track and Grants Program. He also managed the diversity initiative, Project Involve, and was involved in the programming department.

Following McManus’s departure in 2013, Welsh took the helm as president of Film Independent, overseeing all programs and operations. Under his leadership, the organization experienced significant growth across various metrics, including staff, budget, programming slate, and membership.

Championing Diversity and Global Reach

Welsh’s leadership was instrumental in deepening strategic partnerships with studios, NGOs, and government entities. He expanded Film Independent’s international reach by collaborating with the State Department on the Global Media Makers Program. His commitment to promoting diversity in the film industry and amplifying Film Independent’s advocacy for filmmakers was a hallmark of his tenure.

In January, Welsh was also honored at a Film Independent brunch, further solidifying his impact on the industry.

The Spirit Awards were held on Saturday afternoon in Santa Monica. Be sure to check out the red carpet arrivals and the list of winners to celebrate the achievements of filmmakers and the legacy of Josh Welsh.

Persons

Josh Welsh, Brenda Robinson, Sean McManus, Dawn Hudson

Company Names

Film Independent

Titles

Independent Spirit Awards, Project Involve, Global Media Makers Program

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