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

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

Best Film-Young Filmmaker Award- $300

Best Film-Independent Filmmaker Award - $300

Best Actor Award: Young Filmmaker - $100

Best Actress Award: Young Filmmaker - $100

Best Actor Award: Independent Filmmaker - $100

Best Actress Award: Independent Filmmaker- $100

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.
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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!

  • Jay Mohan

    Wow! What an amazing event in such a lovely location. Carthage, TX is a beautiful city with great, fun loving people. Thank you Mainstreet Short Film Festival, especially Cindy, for taking care of every aspect of the film festival in such a meticulous fashion. From our application till the post event messages, communication was exemplary. Our short film, I Resign, was reviewed and judged in detail and won the second runner up during the event. The judges were so knowledgeable with tonnes of experience making films in Hollywood. The most amazing thing: Those judges were present in the event and we had a chance to do one on one with them after the event to know what they thought about our film. So many things learned and so many ways to make our skills better. This was such a great learning experience. Thank you Mainstreet Short Film Festival and respect the goals you have - Preserving the Historical Esquire Theater. What a great cause. Highly recommended.

    February 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Jay! I've got the video you want from the interviews but I'm out of town all next week and I'm unable to send it but will get it to you, with some great pictures, as soon as I get back.

  • Thomas Farm Films Inc.

    THE MOST charming, hospitable, family friendly film fest! We were fed a homestyle Tex-Mex meal. The theater is vintage and beautiful and great. Trophies, certificates, and cash were awarded. Fantastic! We look forward to submitting again next year!

    February 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Kari! Can't wait!

  • Naga Velpuri

    Thank You so much for your support! I was honored to have my drama short, 'LIFE- There is always Tomorrow', won Best Actor Award in its category. Your festival is organized, professional along with understanding and kindness. Keep up the great work!

    February 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Naga!

  • Rhett Goldman

    What a great event. From the moment you get there, you are treated like a movie star. Red carpet pictures, goody bags, a delicious meal for filmmakers and actors, great judges with impressive resumes, and a fun reception. This festival is a great combination of small town hospitality mixed with movie-business professionalism. I can’t wait to see how it grows, and I know I will be submitting every year. I can honestly recommend this festival to EVERYONE!

    February 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Rhett! Can't wait until next year!