Josh Sternfeld studied filmmaking at NYU Graduate Film School, where he wrote and directed the award-winning short film Balloons, Streamers. After completing his degree, Josh worked as an editor for Steeplechase Films on the Emmy-nominated PBS series New York: A Documentary Film. Concurrent with the series, Josh wrote his first feature screenplay Winter Solstice. He developed the script at the 2001 Sundance Screenwriters Lab, and directed the film in 2003. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was acquired by Paramount Classics, who released it to international acclaim in April 2005. In 2008 Josh wrote and directed the feature film Meskada, a police-drama set in Catskill, New York. It premiered at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival. In 2011 Josh co-produced the thriller Darkroom. In June 2021, Sternfeld directed the film Fortress: Sniper's Eye (2022)

In addition to his feature work, Josh also directs brand campaigns for online media – notably StyleCaster, Peloton Cycle and the Viñoly Foundation. He has also taught screenwriting and film production at New York University/Tisch School of the Arts.

Josh lives in New York City with his wife and daughter.