The Esquire Theatre aspires to be a source of promotion for the arts in all forms. This year 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!

Awards & Prizes

Carthage Main Street Audience Favorite Award - Could be from either category - $100

Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Best Film-Young Filmmaker Award- $300

Best Film-Independent Filmmaker Award - $300

Tate Barber State Farm Best Actor Award: Young Filmmaker - $100

Patsy Meck State Farm Insurance Best Actress Award: Young Filmmaker - $100

Penner Construction Best Actor Award: Independent Filmmaker - $100

Beatty Properties Best Actress Award: Independent Filmmaker- $100

Hanszen Broadcasting KGAS Radio Best of the Fest Award - Could be from either category - $500

Rules & Terms

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 2019 line up.

If your film is selected as a finalist for viewing at the Festival on February 1 you will be asked to provide a digital press kit to include head-shot, filmography, B&W stills from the film and a video trailer.

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

A Reception will follow the awards.