Nashville’s two long-running mainstream film festivals, the Nashville Film Festival September 24 –30 and the International Black Festival, September 30-October 4, are coming up this fall. But before that, come out and celebrate a cool independent film festival this summer, now in its second decade and only getting better. Defy Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed in 2016 with the goal of bringing bold and extraordinary cinematic work from around the world to East Nashville, with 52 films screening at this year’s festival.

All great art is a disruption. You should join the fun and attend the 11th Annual Defy Film Festival on August 21 – 22, and enjoy dozens of defiant films from all over the world, along with the creative and wonderful folks the festival brings to Nashville. The festival celebrates unconventional films made by filmmakers who want to defy traditions and expectations. The festival is driven by the desire to bring unknown talent from around the world to Nashville audiences that are looking for a unique cinematic experience. Defy puts the work and the artist above all else.

The venue this year is Eastside Bowl, 1508A Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115, and parking is completely free. Because the venue was built inside a retrofitted former Kmart, it features an enormous on-site parking lot with acres of complimentary spaces. You do not need to buy parking passes or pay any fees to park there.

This festival has an age limit of 18+ up for films due to graphic content. And of course, you must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol. Please note that they will be checking IDs at the door. Defy will have fresh-popped popcorn and other concessions (candy bars, chips, nuts, waters, etc.) all weekend. A food truck will be on site for anyone who wants to grab a meal between screenings.

You’ll have the chance to meet the filmmakers and artists, as there’s no VIP space separating anyone. Everyone is there to celebrate art, meet new people, and engage in great discussions. The Weekend Pass ($65.00) gets you access to all screenings all weekend long (August 21-22), plus access to the after-parties. The Friday Pass ($30.00) gets you access to all screenings on Friday, August 21st, plus access to the after-party that night. The Saturday Pass ($50.00) gets you access to all screenings on Saturday, August 22nd, plus access to the after-party that night.

The Festival Weekend begins on Friday, August 21st, and doors and Will Call open at 6:00 PM, first screening at 6:45 PM. Saturday: Doors and Will Call open at 11:00 AM, first screening at 11:45 AM. As the festival approaches, go online for a schedule of film screenings, and get your daily or weekend passes, at the festival website: defyfilmfestival.com.

I am especially anticipating the Tennessee Premiere of directors John Bell and Dan Bell’s “It’s a Wonderful Night of the Living Dead.” It’s a not-so-wonderful life for George Bailey when a horde of flesh-eating ghouls come to town on Christmas Eve. Through the use of traditional rotoscoping and compositing techniques, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Night of the Living Dead” (both in the public domain) have been woven together to create this twisted love letter to the original films. This is gonna be epic; meet me at a screening of this one!