<p>Festival Chair Addison Witt welcomes audiences to the 2026 Defense of Democracy Film Festival and reflects on the power of documentary storytelling, civic dialogue, and global human connection.</p>

Welcome to the Defense of Democracy Film Festival

Festival Chair Addison Witt welcomes audiences to the 2026 Defense of Democracy Film Festival.

Virtual Admission

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Gift Cards

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Memberships

These are all the memberships tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_membership_link|Looking to buy more memberships?}}

These are all the passes tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_pass_link|Looking to buy more passes?}}

These are all your purchased tickets. Open this page on your phone, and at the door tap the "Show Barcode" button and show your screen to the attendant. Prefer paper? Print the PDF attached to the order confirmation email, or click one of the gears below and select "Download tickets PDF". If purchasing multiple tickets, be sure to print or show each unique ticket barcode.

Passes

You made it — and we’re honored to have you here.  You can explore our on-demand film catalog on this page, and head over to the {{livestreams|Live Streams}} tab to see what’s coming up, or discussions you may find interesting.  This virtual festival experience allows you to explore award-winning documentaries, filmmaker conversations, podcast discussions, film assessments, and special presentations from anywhere in the country throughout the festival weekend.  Here’s how this page works:  • The top row features our three award-winning feature documentaries.  • The middle row highlights the short films selected for this year’s festival.  • With your All-Access Pass, you may watch as many films and presentations as you like throughout the festival weekend.  • The bottom section features our Pride Spotlight, including filmmaker John Waters and renowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin paying tribute to the legendary underground artist James Bidgood.  Take your time. Explore. Watch what speaks to you.  Welcome to the festival. If you need to purchase tickets for the festival select "Back to Festival Site" at the top, right side of the page. 

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.