Juan Devis Named President of Film Independent

Film Independent has named its new permanent president: arts nonprofit veteran Juan Devis will take over the organization’s leadership beginning on April 20. He succeeds acting president Brenda Robinson, who has served in an interim role since the passing of previous president Josh Welsh in January 2025.

Devis, who previously served as SVP and Chief Content Officer of Public Media Group of California, which operates PBS SoCal and KCET, and as Senior Vice President of Content Development and Production for KCET Link. In 2023, he founded the independent content studio Ninety-Three Media and has served as its CEO for three years.

“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,” Robinson said in a statement. “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.”

“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,” Devis said in a statement. “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.”

He continued, “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.”

Devis’ appointment comes at a transitional moment for the organization. Its signature event, the annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, moved from its longtime home on the beaches of Santa Monica to the Hollywood Palladium (billed as a temporary move due to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics). While Film Independent has long been synonymous with the indie film ecosystem, Devis will be tasked with helping the organization adapt to a rapidly changing landscape.