Jay William Thomas is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and producer from the Appalachian foothills of Eastern Kentucky, where the bluegrass meets the mountains. A fourth-generation Appalachian storyteller, he grew up listening to family stories around campfires and front porches an upbringing that continues to shape his artistic voice.

After earning a double major BFA from Western Kentucky University, Jay spent nearly a decade in New York City working as an actor, writer, and producer before turning his focus to filmmaking. His directorial work has earned multiple Best Director honors, including recognition for his short film Aquae Vitae.

Jay recently completed his MFA in Film Production at the University of Texas at Austin. His work explores the evolving landscape of the American South, examining the tension between tradition and modernity, memory and progress, and the people caught between them.

Whether behind the camera, in the editing room, or building creative communities through initiatives like the Sky Arts Film Festival, Jay is committed to telling stories that illuminate overlooked voices and challenge conventional narratives about Southern life.