Defy // 2026
SPONSORSHIP DECK
WHAt IS DEFY?
“We started Defy Film Festival in 2016 to bring together filmmakers and Nashville audiences in a creative experience that will surprise and move them. Defy is driven by the desire to showcase unknown talent from around the world and to program with focused intention for a unique experience for our Nashville audiences. Named “Best Indie Film Festival” by the Nashville Scene, Defy is entering its 11th year and each event continues to top the one that came before.”
— Dycee Wildman, Defy Co-Founder
“Defy has established itself as an important screening stop for global filmmakers interested in deconstructing, remaking, or simply doing without the narrative conventions of mainstream filmmaking.”
— Joe Nolan, Nashville Scene
We are filmmakers ourselves
“We know how difficult it is to make an independent film. It requires an investment of time and commitment to the vision to see it through to the end. We take this same approach with Defy. We care about every single film we program, and want the audiences to take each film to heart.”
— Billy Senese, Festival Co-Founder
2026 SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
Exclusive Opportunities:
*Theatre Naming Rights ($5,000+ value) — 1 available
*Lounge Naming Rights ($2,500+ value) — 1 available
*Sponsorship Category Exclusivity (for $1000-and-up sponsors)
Sponsors Who Donate Any Amount Will Receive:
*Logo and link on Defy website
*Logo projected at the start of every screening
*Social Media shout-outs before, during, and after event
*Logo and link in newsletters before, during, and after event
Thank you for your consideration.
Our hope is that our taste-making audiences, made up of hundreds of Nashvillians, will see your messaging and associate their memorable experience with your brand.
