Juan Devis Announced as New President of Film Independent
Juan Devis, former Chief Creative Officer at the Public Media Group of Southern California (PBS SoCal | KCET), has been named President of Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards. The news was announced today by Acting President Brenda Robinson. Devis, an accomplished media executive, creative strategist and proven fundraiser, will lead the organization into its next chapter. He will start on April 20.
The appointment follows the passing of former President Josh Welsh, in whose honor the organization established the Josh Welsh Legacy Fund this year, raising $1 million to support urgent year-round artist programs. Devis will honor this legacy as he guides Film Independent’s mission to champion creative independence in visual storytelling and support a vibrant global community of artists.
“This is a pivotal moment for Film Independent as we enter our next era, and I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Juan Devis as our next President,” said Acting President Brenda Robinson. “Juan brings a rare blend of institutional leadership and independent production experience, from overseeing award-winning programming at PBS SoCal, to his work at Ninety-Three Media. His track record of expanding how independent stories reach audiences and elevating distinguished voices makes him the ideal choice to lead the organization forward.”
Search Committee Co-Chairs Alix Madigan and Eric d’Arbeloff led an expansive search process. “We met many outstanding candidates,” they shared. “Juan stood out for the way he embodies the enduring values that define Film Independent—championing artistic voices and building community—in a way that transcends the rapidly shifting landscape.”
Originally from Colombia, Devis studied film at Emerson College before earning an MFA in directing from CalArts, Devis brings decades of experience at the intersection of storytelling, community engagement, and cultural leadership. He previously served as Chief Creative Officer at the Public Media Group of Southern California (PBS SoCal | KCET), where he oversaw a large team of creatives and a production slate that earned over 30 Emmys as well as James Beard, Edward R. Murray and National Arts and Entertainment Journalist Awards. His work as a creator and curator includes acclaimed series such as Artbound, Migrant Kitchen, Broken Bread with Roy Choi and Art Happens Here with John Lithgow, among others.
Devis also co-founded Ninety-Three Media, a cross-cultural production company focused on independent film, documentary and emerging media. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for team building, fostering partnerships and advancing inclusive storytelling across platforms. He currently serves on the boards of the Snap Foundation and the California Cultural and Historical Endowment.
“I’ve spent my life creating access, building ecosystems and championing diverse voices, because I believe that a healthy, inclusive and sustainable independent film community isn’t just good for artists—it’s essential for our culture,” said Devis. “I am looking forward to helping build Film Independent’s future as a resilient, globally connected, multi-platform ecosystem that sustains and celebrates independent film and media worldwide.”
Devis also emphasized Film Independent’s unique role in the industry and its home in Los Angeles. “Unlike any other institution, Film Independent provides a continuous, integrated pathway for independent film and media,” he said. “Our unique value lies in this end-to-end stewardship—from discovery to funding to production, distribution and celebration. Film Independent is the preeminent cultural institution in Los Angeles that advocates for, grants access to and celebrates filmmaking’s vital role in our city’s cultural and economic health.”
He is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, accredited by the Cannes Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and more, is a member of the International Cinephile Society (ICS), The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics (GALECA), Critics Choice Association (CCA), San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle (SFBAFCC) and the International Press Academy. Among his many achieved goals with AwardsWatch, he has given a platform to underrepresented writers and critics and supplied them with access to film festivals and the industry and calls the Bay Area his home where he lives with his husband and son.
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