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- New leadership at Film Independent: who Juan Devis is
- Career highlights that shaped Devis’s candidacy
- Voices on the appointment: endorsement and vision
- Strategic priorities Devis is likely to pursue
- Timing and challenges: the Spirit Awards and a changing landscape
- What industry watchers will look for next
Film Independent has selected Juan Devis as its new president, a move that marks a fresh chapter for the Los Angeles nonprofit as it seeks to strengthen support for independent filmmakers and adapt to a shifting events landscape.
New leadership at Film Independent: who Juan Devis is
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Devis steps into the role on April 20. He replaces Brenda Robinson, who led the organization on an interim basis after the passing of Josh Welsh in January 2025.
- Current appointment: President, Film Independent, effective April 20.
- Interim predecessor: Brenda Robinson carried the organization through a difficult transition.
- Context: The change comes as Film Independent navigates strategic shifts in programming and events.
Career highlights that shaped Devis’s candidacy
Devis arrives with a mix of public media leadership and independent production experience. His resume helped position him as a bridge between institution-building and creative entrepreneurship.
- Senior executive at Public Media Group of California, overseeing content for PBS SoCal and KCET.
- Former Senior Vice President for KCET Link, focused on content development and production.
- Founder and CEO of Ninety-Three Media, an independent content studio launched in 2023.
Leadership skills and industry reach
His background spans programming strategy, production oversight and independent studio operations. That combination informed Film Independent’s decision.
Voices on the appointment: endorsement and vision
Brenda Robinson praised the hire and emphasized Devis’s rare combination of institutional experience and indie sensibility. She framed his skill set as ideal for expanding audience access and elevating diverse storytellers.
Devis described his mission in pragmatic terms. He said his career has focused on opening doors, building networks and lifting underrepresented voices. He emphasized that the nonprofit must be both resilient and globally connected.
- Access and ecosystems: Devis stresses creating pathways from artist to audience.
- Multi-platform thinking: He envisions Film Independent as a hub that spans funding, production and distribution.
- Cultural mission: He sees the organization as central to Los Angeles’s creative and economic life.
Strategic priorities Devis is likely to pursue
Industry observers expect a focus on strengthening the full indie film pipeline. Devis has spoken about integrated support across discovery, financing, production and celebration.
- Expand distribution channels and festival pathways for independent creators.
- Develop multi-platform initiatives to meet viewers where they watch.
- Grow partnerships across public media and private industry.
- Support diversity by investing in underrepresented filmmakers.
Timing and challenges: the Spirit Awards and a changing landscape
Devis inherits leadership at a moment of visible change. The Film Independent Spirit Awards shifted from its longtime Santa Monica beach setting to the Hollywood Palladium. That move was presented as temporary, tied to preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
This relocation highlights broader pressures on venues, sponsorship and event planning. Devis will need to balance tradition with innovation while maintaining the brand’s relevance.
What industry watchers will look for next
Stakeholders will watch how Devis integrates public media experience with indie production priorities. Key indicators include program launches, partnerships and how the organization markets the Spirit Awards in new venues.
- Announcements around year-round programming and digital initiatives.
- New funding models or donor engagement strategies.
- Efforts to broaden audience reach beyond the Los Angeles core.
