Josh Welsh, president of Movie Unbiased, died on December 31, 2024, Movie Unbiased representatives confirmed Wednesday evening. He died peacefully with his wife and daughter at home after a courageous five-year battle with colon cancer.
in a Post from January 1st on Welsh’s Instagramhis friends wrote: “Dear friends, Josh left his guitar and went to sing with the angels on the last day of 2024. Heartbroken, we celebrate his tremendous strength; their generosity and their love of connection. We will carry him in our hearts forever.”
As president of Movie Unbiased, Welsh oversaw all of the nonprofit’s programs and operations. Movie Unbiased grew significantly under Welsh’s supervision, with membership more than doubling.
Welsh worked on Movie Unbiased for 21 years, but his involvement began in 1996, when he was a young actor who began volunteering annually at the Movie Unbiased Spirit Awards.
As president of Movie Unbiased since 2012, he oversaw all of the nonprofit’s programs and operations. The organization increased its staff, budget, programming and membership under his leadership and deepened its strategic partnerships. It expanded the organization’s commitment to promoting diversity in the film industry and amplified Movie Unbiased’s role as an advocate for filmmakers.
Prior to becoming President, Welsh was responsible for the basic design, strategic planning and implementation of Movie Unbiased’s artist development programs for over a decade. He spoke frequently at film schools and was part of numerous festival juries. Welsh was also the lead singer of alternative nation band Meatyard, who recently completed an album to be released later this year.
“We are devastated by the loss of Josh Welsh,” said Movie Unbiased board president Brenda Robinson. “Josh was a tireless advocate for independent voices, a trusted artistic leader, and a beloved colleague and friend. The work we do at Movie Unbiased has never been more needed and we will honor his legacy by continuing to build on the foundation he laid. “Our hearts go out to his family.”
He is survived by his wife Bonnie Gavel and daughter Isla Welsh.
