We are celebrating our 10th year!
We are looking for films that surprise us, make us think about something in a different way, and have a unique artistic intention. These qualities are at the core of Defy Film Festival. And every film we program, lines up with these ideals.
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"Defy Film Festival began its long (and getting longer), strange trip a decade ago. The weird-little-fest-that-could... Defy has built a reputation for celebrating boundary-breaking moviecraft, and as the fest returns to East Nashville... it remains dedicated to showcasing the unconventional and the surprising on screen." - Joe Nolan, Nashville Scene.
"My favorite thing was the palpable enthusiasm for film at every turn, from the organizers to the volunteers to the audience. There was a spirit of adventure and also of joy." - Kirsten Johnson, 2024 visiting filmmaker.
"Excellent festival. With an amazing selection of bold, innovative films full of personality. DEFY provides an electrifying atmosphere for filmmakers to share their work and meet other like-minded creatives. The festival takes pride and stands as a platform for boundary-pushing projects." - Franco Andrade, 2024 visiting filmmaker
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Defy Film Festival wants to highlight artists that not only have talent, but have a distinct voice. Artists who have something to say.
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.
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