The Esquire Theatre aspires to be a source of promotion for the arts in all forms. For the seventh year, and in an effort to draw attention to the arts, we are hosting the Mainstreet Short Film Festival at The Esquire Theater. We strongly believe in the importance of film making and producing, especially from local artists. However, artists from all over the world are welcome! Any genre or type of film is welcome as long as it is family friendly. We also believe in the power and effect of film making and want to showcase, as well as reward, your hard work. The Esquire Theater has been refurbished and is the home of a hidden gem in East Texas: The Country Music Hayride Show! Come experience historic downtown Carthage, enjoy the great local restaurants and boutiques at the 7th annual Mainstreet Film Festival at the The Esquire Theater in Carthage, Texas!

Awards & Prizes

Best of the Fest Award - Could be from either category - $500

Best Film-Young Filmmaker Award- $300

Best Film-Independent Filmmaker Award - $300

Audience Favorite Award - Could be from either category - $100

Best Actor Award: Young Filmmaker - $100

Best Actress Award: Young Filmmaker - $100

Best Actor Award: Independent Filmmaker - $100

Best Actress Award: Independent Filmmaker- $100

Rules & Terms

All films of any genre are welcome, from documentary, drama and comedy to science fiction, fantasy and horror.

Films in each category must be at least 03:00 minutes long and no longer than 25:00 minutes (including credits). Films could have been completed at any time and you may submit multiple entries.

By submitting a film, you grant permission to screen your film if officially selected into the 2025 line up.

If your film is selected as a FINALIST for viewing at the Festival on February 21, 2026, you will be asked to provide a digital press kit to include head-shot and biography.

FINALISTS MUST BE PHYISCALLY PRESENT AT THE FESTIVAL TO BE ELLIGIBLE FOR AWARDS. We will accept a representative of the winning film if he/she played a major role in the film’s production and we are notified at least 1 week in advance of the festival.

Filmmakers are responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and releases for the public screening of their work. This includes copyright clearance to all images and music.

Any non-English language films must have English language subtitles.

Mainstreet Short Film Festival and its organizers maintain the right to make the final determination.
21 Reviews
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  • Giorgi Tkemaladze

    Nice festival, I wish you all the best and big success. Keep going your amazing work, thank you.

    February 2025
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  • Debi McMartin

    Mainstreet Short Film Festival in Carthage, Texas was so much fun, and what a thrill it was for our short film Aftershocks to win fourth place! Kudos to Cindy and her team for making the festival such a memorable and rewarding experience for the filmmakers and audience alike. I can’t wait to see everyone at the festival next year!

    April 2024
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  • John Brooks

    Very fun experience. It was a joy to have my film be a winner here and it was a pleasure to see all the young directors show their work as well! Great job to all!

    February 2024
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  • Katt Gilcrease

    This was a great experience for my students who were first time filmmakers! Even though they didn't make it to the finals, the staff was so welcoming and encouraging; they learned so much from the experience. Can't wait for them to enter a new and improved film in next year's festival!

    March 2023
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  • Herbert Midgley

    A wonderful experience, and I can't wait for next year! I love this short film festival!

    February 2023
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