Mainstreet Short Film Festival at The Esquire

The Esquire Theatre aspires to be a source of promotion for the arts in all forms. For the third year, and in an effort to draw attention to the arts, we are hosting the Mainstreet 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. Recently, the Esquire Theater has been refurbished and has become 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 first annual Mainstreet Film Festival at the The Esquire Theater in Carthage, Texas!

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

All films of any genre are welcome, from documentary, drama and comedy to science fiction, fantasy and horror as long as your film is family friendly.

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 2021 line up.

If your film is selected as a finalist for viewing at the Festival on February 27 you will be asked to provide a digital press kit to include head-shot and biography.

Finalists must be physically present at the festival in order for prize to be given out. 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

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Clint Hanna

I had a fantastic experience at the Mainstreet Short Film Festival. The team behind the festival were extremely hospitable and helpful. They are striving to create a quality film festival in East Texas!

March 2021

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Avith Grolley

Let me start this off by saying that I was not able to attend the festival. But everything one can experience via online, especially customer service and response time, was phenomenal. I received two awards from this festival and within two days of the festival they were delivered to my door. I'm hoping to submit more films to this very festival and some day attend this lovely festival in person. Thank you so much Carthage!

March 2021

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LoboView Films

The MSFFaTE was a wonderful experience. The quality of the films in competition outdid all expectations. This festival goes above and beyond in many regards and I would recommend them to anyone with a short film. Absolutely staggering the level of professionalism on display at such a quaint and intimate venue.

March 2021

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Anne Merino

I cannot say enough good things about the Mainstreet Short Film Festival! We had a marvelous time from start to finish. Festival director, Cindy Deloney and her terrific team made every filmmaker feel welcome and appreciated with genuine Southern hospitality. A beautifully produced dinner for the nominated filmmakers at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame kicked off the evening and then nominated films were presented with care, theatricality and with great respect for the art at the historic Esquire Theater. One of the best times I have ever had at a film festival. We will be back next year if we are fortunate enough to get a nod!

March 2021

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Response from festival:

Thank you so much Anne! It was a pleasure meeting you and I do hope we see you next year! Cindy
Pierre GAFFIÉ

We were very happy and proud to be part of the festival (for "Radio Moon"). The communication was quite good and we were updated in an elegant way. Cindy is quite active and reactive ! I recommend this festival ! Pierre

May 2020

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Response from festival:

Thank you so much! We certainly enjoyed showing "Radio Moon" to our audience and our audience loved it! I sincerely hope you are well and staying safe!