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- New leadership, new direction for an established LA film nonprofit
- Perenchio Foundation grant: what the $2.55M will fund
- Programming highlights: from artist development to public events
- Partnerships that broaden reach and creative exchange
- Why the investment matters for independent filmmakers and the local economy
- Plans to grow membership, reimagine the Spirit Awards, and scale impact
A leadership shake-up at Film Independent is already reshaping the organization’s future. Since stepping in as president in April 2026, Colombia-born Juan Devis has moved quickly to modernize the 45-year-old nonprofit. His agenda now has a major financial tailwind: a $2.55 million grant from the Perenchio Foundation, the largest single gift in the group’s history.
New leadership, new direction for an established LA film nonprofit
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Film Independent scores its largest grant ever: exclusive
Juan Devis brings public-broadcast and programming experience to Film Independent. He left KCET to take the helm and has prioritized updating programs, expanding membership, and strengthening ties across Los Angeles arts communities.
- Background: International perspective and broadcast leadership.
- Focus: Organizational resilience and artist support.
- Timeline: Appointed in April 2026 and implementing changes immediately.
Devis views the organization as a bridge between rising filmmakers and Los Angeles’s broader creative economy. He intends to increase Film Independent’s public reach while also deepening services for artists.
Perenchio Foundation grant: what the $2.55M will fund
The multi-year award is unrestricted operating support, designed to be spent over three years. That flexibility lets Film Independent invest where it’s needed most.
- Stabilizing core operations and long-term planning.
- Investing in staff, technology, and program infrastructure.
- Expanding artist development and audience-facing events.
Unrestricted funding is rare for film and media arts groups, which have historically received less large-scale philanthropy than museums or theater organizations. This grant aims to change that dynamic in Los Angeles.
Programming highlights: from artist development to public events
Film Independent runs initiatives that support creators and invite audiences into the conversation. The nonprofit connects career-building programs with screenings, talks, and performances across the city.
Signature events and collaborations
- Indie Spirit Awards: Film Independent’s flagship fundraiser and public showcase.
- Live Reads at The Wallis: One-night stage readings that blend film and theater audiences.
- Seasonal screenings, panels, and workshops for emerging filmmakers.
For 2027, the Indie Spirit Awards are scheduled to take place at the Hollywood Palladium on March 6. The ceremony is voted on by Film Independent’s membership base of more than 8,000 people — a figure the new president wants to grow.
Partnerships that broaden reach and creative exchange
Film Independent’s collaborations extend its footprint beyond its own calendar. Working with cultural institutions creates crossover events that attract new viewers and build community.
- The Wallis partnership brings stagecraft to cinema fans through Live Reads.
- Guest directors and notable actors help amplify programming impact.
- Cross-promotional events encourage attendance from varied arts audiences.
Recent Live Reads included a staging of the comedy “Secretary,” guest-directed by Jane Schoenbrun and featuring performers such as Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder. These presentations draw both industry attention and public interest.
Why the investment matters for independent filmmakers and the local economy
The grant strengthens the ecosystem that supports independent storytellers in Los Angeles. It creates room for both career development and risk-taking in creative projects.
- More reliable operational funding reduces program volatility.
- Expanded artist services help early-career filmmakers access resources.
- Public programming fosters audience growth and diversity.
By bolstering infrastructure, Film Independent can support a broader pipeline of talent and help position independent film as a more visible part of the city’s cultural economy.
Plans to grow membership, reimagine the Spirit Awards, and scale impact
Devis has signaled that the Spirit Awards experience will change next year. He aims to improve the event’s production and audience engagement while making membership more attractive.
- Enhancing the awards ceremony to increase visibility and fundraising.
- Recruiting new members to expand the voting base and community.
- Using grant funding to pilot new programs and measure outcomes.
The leadership team is also mapping out strategies to use the three-year funding window to build sustainable revenue streams and stronger partnerships across Los Angeles arts organizations.
