The Esquire Theatre aspires to be a source of promotion for the arts in all forms. For the fourth 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. 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 4th 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 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 2023 line up.

If your film is selected as a finalist for viewing at the Festival on February 18 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
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rebecca Tarabocchia

    Simple and great experience! Highly recommended :)

    March 2022
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  • Reece Roark

    As a filmmaker that was included in this year's lineup, I just want to say that this was such a fun, great event that was given a lot of thought and care to make it special. It is a young festival. It is in a small town. But it makes every participant proud to be a part of it and feel celebrated - which is why it had such a great turnout. Filmmakers and local audience showed up to support it. That says a lot about the festival. I look forward to attending in the future and seeing how much this event grows. Thank you, Cindy, and again, wonderful job putting on this festival :)

    February 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! We can't wait until next year!

  • 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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  • Joshua Graves

    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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