Leader Spotlight Series: Jay Simpson, Festival Director Of World Trails Film Festival
Jacinta Gordon | January 22, 2025.
Wild Gift has an incredible alumni community, filled with some of the brightest and most impactful individuals and changemakers. This month, we’re excited to highlight Jay Simpson, a Wild Gift alumnus, explorer, multimedia producer, guide, and Festival Director of Trails Film.
Jay Simpson (middle left) and others at the World Trails Film Festival.
Meet Jay Simpson (he/him), Jay completed the Wild Gift Fellowship in 2022, and has been an important part of our alumni community ever since. He is the current Festival Director at Trails Film.
Trails Film is created by and for trail-loving communities. We are inspired by nature and culture and want to make an impact on the future of trails and our planet. We are in awe of the human spirit and all that is wild. To all of this, we dedicate our festival. The festival premieres new programs once every two years, 2024 being the third festival since 2018 (which was held in Spain)!
We caught up with Jay to bring all of you this very special Q&A to gain a deeper insight into Jay’s Wild Gift experience and where that has led him so far…
WG: Tell us about what you’re currently working on or excited about with your venture? Do you have any recent accomplishments we can celebrate with you?
Since my Wild Gift trek in 2022, I’ve launched the World Trails Film Festival’s first film tour, with screenings in six countries with over 2,000 attendees. I’ve also transformed a fiscally-sponsored project into a business that collaborates with government agencies/offices, universities, and nonprofits, in support of trail advocacy and community-building. All of this growth seemed so far-fetched back while walking up in Idaho’s White Clouds! Currently, I am excitedly preparing a brand new lineup of films from around the world to premiere in Ottawa, Canada this October.
WG: In what ways did the Wild Gift Fellowship help in your journey as an entrepreneur?
Wild Gift really illustrated how we can’t do these things alone, whether backpacking for nearly three weeks in the backcountry or trying to cook up a new business venture. Wise Counsels really changed how I ask for help, encouraging me to be much more open to asking for feedback and support from anyone willing to offer it. Whenever I feel the now familiar drag of feeling alone in the face of challenges, I reach out to both trusted friends and network for new connections that may unlock new insight or opportunity.
WG: What specific problem or challenge did the Wild Gift Fellowship help you gain clarity on?
What does it mean for me to be an entrepreneur? How will I roll through failures and how do I keep trust in my hustle? I have a lot of gratitude for the Wild Gift community in how folks have helped me face challenges or dilemmas, but honestly meeting others in the same boat as me has been invaluable. Before all this, I never expected to own my own business and hadn’t the slightest clue of how to balance myself in launching this venture. My cohort and other Wild Gift members have provided me with connections to lean on and learn from.
WG: Thank you so much for sharing with us. What are the best ways that we, and the Wild Gift community can follow along and support your work?
I have three current opportunities. First, is there an organization in your community that might want to host a World Trails Film Festival screening event? Currently, I have a special discount for Trails Day celebration events this June. Next, I am seeking in-kind and cash sponsors for our next world tour. Email info@trails.film if you are interested in learning more. Lastly, I am seeking new films for our world tour events. Please send film recommendations to info@trails.film or DM @trailsfilmfest, and consider sharing the festival’s call for entries within your own networks and organizations. Thank you!
Thanks for reading the Leader Spotlight segment of the Wild Gift Blog. If you are a Wild Gift Alumni and want to be featured, please email jacinta@wildgift.org.