This is our 9th year and we are excited! In 2023, we were named “Best Film Festival” in Nashville!
“Defy has done a great job of maintaining and refining its curatorial focus and not pursuing growth for growth’s sake. The result is a southern film phenomenon that’s organically attracted an exceptional community of moviemakers with its excellent programming of challenging and innovative cinema.” - Joe Nolan, Nashville Scene.
Defy Film Festival wants to highlight artists that not only have talent, but have a distinct voice. Artists who have something to say. Defy is looking for voices that tread new ground.
“Does your film surprise us? Does it make us think about something in a different way? Is there a unique artistic intention? These qualities are at the core of our festival. And every film we program, lines up with these ideals.” - Billy Senese, Senior Programmer.
“We call it Defy for a reason. The festival showcases unique filmmakers and introduces audiences to work that they won’t see anywhere else. We’re always looking for submissions that are a little bit different and one-of-a-kind. We’re about something new and fresh. When you see that spark of innovation and bold intention, that’s what really turns me on about film.” - Dycee Wildman, Festival Director
All great art is disruption
THE FESTIVAL
There are only two categories, features and shorts.
Without specific genre categories, Defy has the flexibility to steer into whatever ideas and talent are submitted each year. We won't feel obligated to program something mediocre just because we have to fulfill a category. Your work will inform our festival.
No matter what kind of film you have, we want to see it - drama, comedy, experimental, animation, documentaries, horror/sci-fi, music videos, etc. We are independent filmmakers ourselves and we know the financial hardships you went through and the uncompromising passion it took to create the great film resting in your hands right now. Your film will be treated and viewed with the respect that we would want for our own films.
Best of Festival SHORT
Best of Festival FEATURE
And a special award with a $500 prize, called the "Moe Award".
For information about our awards, visit our website: www.defyfilmfestival.com/awards