We are carving out a space for the work you won’t see anywhere else. From the beginning, our focus has been on staying true to who we are: championing artists with distinct voices, the ones with something to say and the guts to say it their way. We call it ‘Defy’ for a reason.

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“Defy Film Festival is an annual high point for cinephiles in this movie-loving city, and filmmakers from around the globe know the festival’s reputation as an outlet for bold, unique cinema.” - Joe Nolan, Nashville Scene

“Defy film fest is absolutely incredible. The programmers went above and beyond to make sure all of the films were perfectly curated and screened. Honored to have my feature premiere there! Can not recommend it enough!” - Heather LeRoy, visiting filmmaker.

“Defy was an excellent festival! The programming was really thought-provoking and well balanced, and the reception from both the festival workers and the attendees was incredibly warm :)” - Stephanie Ard, visiting filmmaker

“Defy Film Festival is an unforgettable experience — inspiring films, excellent organization, and a vibrant atmosphere.” - Trasparente Federico Montaresi, 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.

Awards & Prizes

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

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Eligibility Requirements for the feature film and short film competition:

- Running time for all feature films must be 45 minutes or more and not exceed 150 minutes.
- Running time for all shorts must be less than 44 minutes.
- Defy requires your film has not shown at another festival in Nashville, making your film a Nashville Premiere.
- Selected films must be made available in a Quicktime file.
- Film submissions in a foreign language must be subtitled in English.
- Preview screening format are digital screeners ONLY - No DVD screeners.
- If submitting more than one film, a separate completed entry is required for each title.
- All entries fees are non-refundable.
- Defy reserves the right to not continue watching feature submissions after the halfway mark.

NASHVILLE FILMAKERS

- Our local film community is important to us. If you are the director or producer and a Nashville resident, we will waive your submission fee. Email us a copy of your driver's license for qualification. This offer is only available up to the regular deadline.

ENTRY FEES, DEADLINE, NOTIFICATION, AND SCHEDULING

- Films are scheduled at the discretion of the Defy Film Festival. Defy retains the right to make changes to the published schedule at any time and for any reason. Films may be screened more than once.

WARRANTIES

By submitting an entry, filmmaker states that he or she is responsible as an agent to promote the film and that the film is an original work.

All entry fees are non-refundable.

Filmmaker warrants they have full legal right and authority to submit the mentioned film for consideration by the Defy Film Festival, and that all necessary consents, licensing, and approvals have been obtained.

Filmmaker understands that my submission is in no way a guarantee of acceptance into Defy.

All materials (including but not limited to the submitted film and promotional materials) will be retained by Defy. Excerpts of the submitted film and all promotional materials may be used for various Defy promotional purposes, including but not limited to local, national and international press and electronic media. For films selected in the festival, Defy reserves the right to screen the entry at the festival.

Defy will retain a copy of the film, along with all promotional materials, for its archives. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The filmmaker shall indemnify and hold harmless Defy from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
62 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • A Fine and Private Place None

    Defy is such a wonderfully programmed and organized event! They really care about supporting indie filmmakers and I was blown away by the films I was able to see there. Thanks to the whole team for letting our film be a part of it!

    November 2025
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  • Conway Preston

    I had a short film programmed at this year's festival. While I sadly wasn't able to attend, my friends who went raved about the quality of the programming, the warmth and engagement of the crowd, and overall, the great vibes at this festival! Having attended in Defy's early years, I was so happy to hear that this wonderful festival is going strong and fostering an environment for creativity, exploration, and art. Thanks, Defy!

    September 2025
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  • Stephanie Ard

    Defy was an excellent festival! The programming was really thought-provoking and well balanced, and the reception from both the festival workers and the attendees was incredibly warm :) Unfortunately I was only able to go for 24 hours, but I would love to stay for longer on another trip and experience more of the parties they put on - looked like a fun time. Nashville clearly has a vibrant arts and film community and it was fun to be a part of it for a short period of time :) Thanks Defy!

    August 2025
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  • Trasparente Federico Montaresi

    Defy Film Festival is an unforgettable experience — inspiring films, excellent organization, and a vibrant atmosphere. Thanks for everything

    August 2025
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  • cheyenne rudolph

    This was my first real I-had-to-apply-and-get-accepted film festival, and it was a gem! Everyone involved was professional, gracious, and kind. The Defy team introduced us to the panelist who conducted the Q&A so that we could chat before the screening and prepare for the Q&A. That helped immensely. Also, the swag was fantastic! One of the best hot sauces I've ever had. Thanks Defy! Looking forward to submitting again.

    March 2025
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