He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife, Bonnie Gavel, and daughter, Isla.

Welsh is remembered fondly for his contributions to the arts and is survived by his family.

Josh Welsh, the longtime president of Film Independent, passed away on December 31, 2024, after a five-year battle with colon cancer.

Film Independent Board Chair Brenda Robinson expressed devastation over his loss, emphasizing his role as a champion for independent voices and a trusted arts leader.

Throughout his career, Welsh was a strong advocate for filmmakers and played a key role in promoting diversity within the film industry.

Welsh joined Film Independent's staff over 20 years ago, initially serving as co-president before becoming the sole president in 2013.

Under his leadership, which began in 2012, Film Independent experienced significant growth in staff, budget, and membership, with membership increasing by over 100%.

He strengthened partnerships with studios, NGOs, and governments, notably collaborating with the State Department on the Global Media Makers program.

Before his presidency, Welsh managed Film Independent's Artist Development programs for over a decade, designing initiatives like the Filmmaker Labs and Project Involve.

He was responsible for managing the Grants Program, overseeing various fellowships and competitions, including the Netflix FIND Your Voice competition.

In addition to his professional achievements, Welsh was the lead singer of the alt-country band Meatyard, which has an album set to release in 2025.

Filmmakers and colleagues, including Barry Jenkins and Sian Heder, shared heartfelt tributes on social media, praising Welsh's kindness and impact on their lives and careers.