Las Vegas, NV — GainesCon Media, Inc. will host the GainesCon Film Festival on December 4th and 5th, bringing necessary attention to independent creators working in action, horror, science fiction, and other overlooked genres at the famous Brenden Theatre at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Led by Chairman and CEO Barry Gaines, the festival returns for its second year with a programming slate designed to expand visibility and opportunities for emerging creators.
GainesCon assembles filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts for a two-day event presented both in-person and virtually. Virtual attendees can livestream the event through eoFlix, the festival’s official streaming partner. Both days will include a curated selection of action, sci-fi, fantasy, and horror short films from around the world in an inspiring celebration of indie filmmaking.
GainesCon, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, showcases, educates, and produces the work of aspiring filmmakers and performers from underserved communities in the Las Vegas area and beyond. All proceeds from this year’s event will go directly toward free local filmmaking workshops that empower the next generation of creatives with the tools and skills needed to bring their visions to life. This commitment to local empowerment mirrors the broader values of Gaines, who is also engaged in community-focused initiatives outside of the film sector. As Gaines explained, “Our goal is to ensure that emerging filmmakers, especially those from underserved communities, have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to tell their stories.”
GainesCon 2025 presents a dynamic slate of programming designed to equip aspiring creatives with hands-on insight and professional exposure:
Rustic Bodomov: Hollywood Stuntman – Festival attendees will see an interactive demonstration of how to safely perform stunts from one of Hollywood’s top stunt performers, Rustic Bodomov, known for his credits in the Marvel films Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Special Movie Presentation: “Mafia Wars” – Attendees will also enjoy an exclusive presentation of the new feature film Mafia Wars from acclaimed Hollywood action director Scott Windhauser, starring Tom Welling (Smallville).
Michael Vignola: Film Composer – Award-winning indie film composer Michael Vignola will offer insight into the film-scoring process and how music shapes a scene.
Affliction: R&B & Hip-Hop – On day two, Colorado Springs-based husband and wife Hip-Hop duo Affliction will perform a selection of high-energy tracks live at the theatre.
GainesCon will culminate on December 5th with The Dragon Awards, an honor recognizing excel
lence in independent filmmaking.
“[The dragon] represents the fortitude, vision, and the internal flame needed to complete any project,” explained Gaines.
The Red Dragon Award for Best Picture is presented to the filmmaker whose film demonstrates the most dynamic form of storytelling. The red color symbolizes the blood, sweat, and tears that go into the art of filmmaking. The Golden Dragon Award is presented across the festival’s remaining categories. Each trophy is a unique work of art designed by Irish illustrator David Jennings and hand-painted by makeup artist Mrs. Faith Rios.
GainesCon’s 2025 programming highlights cultural representation within action-driven genres, where marginalized communities have historically been underrepresented. The festival’s programming seeks to broaden visibility and participation amongst these creators.
This year’s GainesCon audience will have access to a bold selection of international indie films and educational panels featuring leading creative professionals who will offer insight into emerging trends shaping the future of film.
GainesCon Media, Inc. proudly welcomes Alter New Media and eoFlix as official festival sponsors. Alter New Media is a purpose-driven media-tech ecosystem that serves mission-led brands, executives, creators, and nonprofits in creating impact-focused campaigns. eoFlix is a digital streaming and networking platform that facilitates access between emerging artists and global audiences.
Gaines recently represented GainesCon Media, Inc. at Alter New Media’s two-day Transformative CEOs Mastermind during Global Entrepreneurship Week, contributing his professional expertise and participating in a service initiative benefiting Dress for Success Southern Nevada.
Event Details
GainesCon invites filmmakers, fans, and industry professionals to join this cinematic experience and support the next generation of indie creators in action-driven genres. Whether attending in-person or virtually, guests will be part of a vibrant community dedicated to storytelling, representation, and genre-driven innovation.
Dates: December 4–5, 2025
Location: Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, NV
Format: In-person & Virtual
Tickets: Eventbrite
Virtual: eoFlix
About GainesCon
GainesCon is a non-profit action film festival dedicated to uplifting underserved indie filmmakers. The festival concludes with The Dragon Awards. Tickets are available now. Website: https://www.gainesconmediainc.org
Media Contact:
Nadya Rousseau
310-853-3798
