Josh Welsh, longtime president of Movie Impartial, died Dec. 31 after a five-year battle with colon most cancers. His age was not instantly out there.

Welsh began out as an actor and began volunteering on the Movie Impartial Spirit Awards yearly beginning in 1996. He joined the Movie Impartial workers over 20 years in the past, turning into president in 2012. He oversaw all packages and operations for the nonprofit, rising the group’s workers, funds, programming slate and membership.

“We’re devastated by the lack of Josh Welsh,” stated Movie Impartial Board Chair Brenda Robinson. “Josh was a tireless champion of impartial voices, a trusted arts chief and a cherished colleague and good friend. The work we do at Movie Impartial has by no means been extra needed and we are going to honor his legacy by persevering with to construct on the muse he established. Our hearts exit to his household.”

Beneath his management, Movie Impartial was capable of deepen partnerships with studios, NGOs and governments, and prolonged its worldwide attain by partnering with the State Division on the International Media Makers Program. A tireless advocate for filmmakers, Welsh expanded the organizations dedication to selling variety within the movie trade.

Earlier than he served as president, Welsh was answerable for planning and implementing Movie Impartial’s Artist Improvement packages 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 is able to launch an album later this 12 months.

A number of filmmakers commented on the Instagram put up asserting his loss of life. Barry Jenkins stated, “An amazing human being. Simply the best possible of us.”

“Josh, my good friend,” wrote Sian Heder, “You made each room extra enjoyable, hotter and extra linked. 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 have been probably the most great human, Josh. You advocated endlessly for therefore many individuals. You have been the definition of selfless. Your kindness was limitless. You’ll be an inspiration for the remainder of my life. I already miss you. Thanks, my good friend.”

“Such a fantastic, type, pretty man. Each interplay with Josh was such a heat and completely satisfied one. My condolences to his pals, household and colleagues,” wrote Jeremy Podeswa.

He’s survived by his spouse Bonnie Gavel and daughter Isla Welsh.