Josh Welsh Memorial Fund

Honoring a Legacy of Love, Art, and Community

There has been an outpouring of love and so many offers to support the Welsh family. In response, we have established a fund in Josh’s honor—one that will help carry his family through this time of grief and uncertainty. We can uphold Josh’s enduring spirit and extend the same care and compassion he so freely shared with others.

While Josh’s professional legacy is extraordinary, what mattered most to him was his family. His wife and true love of 24 years, Bonnie Gavel, and their daughter Isla were his heart. He adored them. Isla, now a senior in high school, is preparing to take her next big steps in life. In honor of Josh’s unwavering love for his family, we’re raising funds to support Isla’s education and future expenses.

Josh Welsh was known to many as a devoted husband, a loving father, a sibling, an uncle, the greatest friend, a champion of artists, and a musician himself. Josh created community, connecting people in ways that only he could. He advocated for artists and independent dreamers, someone who pitched his spirit awards tent literally and figuratively, leaving behind a legacy that will endure far beyond his years. You’d be hard-pressed to find a filmmaker in the community who didn't benefit in some way from Josh's tenure at Film Independent, where his focus was on giving awards rather than receiving them. The thought of the film world without him is heartbreaking.

Josh dedicated his life to helping countless filmmakers turn their dreams into reality. As a smart, funny, and kind visionary, he left an indelible mark on the film community through his 29 years with Film Independent. Josh viewed storytelling as non-binary, providing spaces for all to be seen and heard. He was known for his sharp sense of humor and imagination, which he used to champion others' creative visions. Josh fought for marginalized voices, giving them a home.

Josh wasn’t just a guiding light for filmmakers—he was also a man who appreciated life’s simple joys, like a good donut. He would pick up a guitar and play for strangers and loved to jam with his band, Meatyard. Few people leave behind a legacy as meaningful as Josh’s. For those who knew him- and there are so many-Josh was never in it for fame or money. Remember when you saw a movie or went to a live reading or a seminar that changed you? Josh likely had a hand in it.

Let’s come together to celebrate Josh’s life by ensuring that Isla has the opportunities he dreamed for her. All gifts will go directly to Bonnie on behalf of Isla.

With deep gratitude,

Friends of Josh, Bonnie, and Isla