Mainstreet Short Film Festival Finalists and Acting Nominations announced
🎬 Mainstreet Short Film Festival Announces Finalists and Actor/Actress Nominations!
The countdown is on! The Mainstreet Short Film Festival is set to bring an unforgettable night of creativity, storytelling, and extraordinary talent to the historic Esquire Theater on Saturday, February 21.
We’re thrilled to announce the finalist films and actor/actress nominations for this year’s festival. From indie productions to youth filmmakers, the festival highlights some incredible talent!
Indie Film Finalists
These films showcase professional and student filmmakers from across Texas, Louisiana, and beyond:
- Clair – directed by Carolyn Mae Purdum (Longview, TX)
- Memento Mori – directed by Kenzy Latham (New Orleans, LA)
- Big Custard – directed by Dominic Lindia (SFA Film Student)
- Welcome – directed by Jake Nolen (Carthage, TX)
- Wakin Snakes – directed by Jami Bleiker (SFA Film Student)
- Save Tucker – directed by Ben Hatfield (Gladewater, TX; Chapman University Film Student)
- A Game of Chess – directed by Saskia Lynge (Shreveport, LA)
- Never Alone – directed by Debi McMartin (Louisiana)
Youth Film Finalists
Our youth category shines a light on the next generation of storytellers:
- Colors of Chaos – directed by Riley Kolye (Hallsville, TX)
- Gloves Up – directed by Dwight Nelson (New Orleans, LA)
- Dan The Man – directed by Liam Graves (Hallsville, TX)
- The Bloody Cabin – directed by Braxton Roberts (Carthage, TX)
- The Janitor – directed by Silas Lee Loeffler (Longview, TX)
Actor & Actress Nominations
Independent Films Best Actor Nominees:
TOBY NICHOLS
Memento Mori
ANDREW MILLER
Big Custard
AUSTIN RAYMOND
Wakin’ Snakes
BEN HATFIELD
Save Tucker
DANNY ZANELOTTI
A Game of Chess
STAN MCDONALD
Never Alone
Independent Films Best Actress Nominations:
SERENA MCBRIDE
Clair
STEVIE CAVALIER
Memento Mori
SYDNEY PRATER
Big Custard
CHERRY FISHER
Welcome
SASKIA LYNGE
A Game of Chess
PATSY TAYLOR
Never Alone
Youth Films Best Actor Nominations:
SEAN BENTLEY
Gloves Up
JOSHUA GRAVES
Dan The Man
BRAXTON ROBERTS
The Bloody Cabin
SILAS LEE LOEFFLER
The Janitor
ASHLEY SHAVER
Dan The Man
Youth Films Best Actress Nominations:
VIOLET MCCARTHY
Colors of Chaos
BROOKLYN MORRIS
The Bloody Cabin
RYLEE ROBERTS
The Bloody Cabin
Awards & Audience Choice
The festival will present awards in each category:
- Best Film (Indie and Youth)
- Best Actor & Actress (Indie and Youth)
- Best of the Fest (from any category)
- Audience Favorite Award – decided by YOU, the viewers!
Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or just love a good story, this festival is the perfect place to discover new voices, celebrate creative talent, and find your next favorite short film.
Event Details
đź“… Saturday, February 21
⏰ Red Carpet: 6:00 PM | Screenings: 7:00 PM
đź“Ť Esquire Theater, Downtown Carthage
🎟️ Tickets: $10 Adults | $5 Students
Come early, walk the red carpet, cheer on local filmmakers, and experience a night of imagination and artistry!
