Mission:
To fuel creativity in film production and provide inclusive career pathways for underprivileged artists within the action, science-fiction, fantasy & horror genres.
GainesCon Film Festival & Expo is an annual film-festival program that showcases, educates, and produces independent filmmakers and film-industry talent whose content lies within the action, sci-fi, fantasy & horror genres, with a strong emphasis on cultural representation from underrepresented groups, such as: the economically disadvantaged, ethnic minorities, females, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Vision:
GainesCon Film Festival & Expo envisions a flourishing arts scene where all talented artists have a chance to develop their craft, reach their positive potential, and make great films that excite our imaginations and expand our horizons.
About the Organization:
GainesCon Film Festival & Expo is a Las Vegas-based non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing, educating, and producing aspiring filmmakers and other creative artists within underserved communities, whose work falls within the exciting world of action-related content.
GainesCon Film Festival & Expo works to mentor underprivileged artists in the film industry, as well as to strengthen and support the independent film genre of action/adventure by diversifying the creation of the content produced.
GainesCon Film Festival & Expo is dedicated to providing aspiring filmmakers in underserved communities the resources needed to grow their skills and reach their production goals. Organization staff and volunteers work with the artists throughout the year to provide workshops, industry connections, and an annual event where they can showcase their talents. Throughout the mentorship process, the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion in storytelling are emphasized.
The culmination of the mentorship is the multi-day GainesCon Film Festival & Expo Film Festival held live in Las Vegas, Nevada - as well as virtually - where screenings and workshops lead up to the Dragon Awards ceremony for exceptional filmmakers.
About the Event:
The GainesCon Film Festival & Expo is an annual awards ceremony and conference for the action, science-fiction, fantasy, and horror enthusiasts to enjoy an array of exciting short films from all around world, including those produced throughout the mentorship program.
The event provides individual screenings of the submitted short films, both in-person and virtually, along with a multitude of educational information. Workshops include targeted sessions on the various aspects of film production, such as basic filmmaking techniques, visual effects, fighting choreography, world-building, and screenwriting, led by confirmed film industry professionals; as well as segments on tips for maintaining physical and mental health for artists, business planning, on-set safety and etiquette.
The winning films receive either The Dragon Certificate, The Golden Dragon Trophy or The Red Dragon Trophy.
The dragons represent the strength, perseverance, talent, and internal flame you need to possess in order complete any filmmaking project.
The Red Dragon Trophy:
The Golden Dragon Trophy:
- Best Director
- Best Male Actor
- Best Female Actor
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Original Score
- Best Editing
- Best Cinematography
- Best Choreography
- Best Horror Short
- Best Hair and Makeup
- Best Documentary
- Best Costume
Dragon Certificate:
- Best Trailer
- Best Action Sequence
- Best "No Budget No Problem" short
- Best Screenplay
The mentorship program and festival provide local film artists with a viable outlet and professional avenue for their work, helping them see vibrant career pathways beyond their current abilities, and contributing to positive workforce development in the local community.