Last update: 09/26/2026

• SEATTLE FILM FESTIVAL 2026 – WASHINGTON STATE
• In Person
  OCT. 3 2026
  TICKETS: www.theseattlefilmfestival.com/2026festival
  
• YOFIFEST 2026 – YONKERS, NEW YORK
• In Person
  NOV. 13 2026
  TICKETS: www.yofifest.com
  

YoFiFest holds a special place for Made in Mars Studios. Last year, it welcomed The Sign to its official selection, and we are so happy to return with a new film.

And the timing could not be more fitting: Al Mhajba screens on Friday the 13th, at 9 PM. An “innocent” children’s story… until it is not.

Friday, November 13, 2026, at 9:00 PM
YoFi Digital Media Art Center, 28 Wells Ave, Bldg 3, 5th Floor, Yonkers, NY 10701
Get tickets here

For more information about the film, visit the official Al Mhajba page.

See you in Yonkers!

Bridgeport Film Festival 2026 was a joy!

Just a train ride from Grand Central, Bridgeport was well worth the trip. Melissa Mars walked the red carpet as a screenplay finalist for UFH [Unidentified Flying Human], attended the panel moderated by the CT Film and TV Alliance, and watched a great lineup of curated films. These included fun comedies, dramas (one of our favorites: Guetar Hero), and a heartbreaking international block showcasing global resilience, with some films in solidarity with Palestine.

The festival spoiled its guests with snacks and goodies (notebook, tote, T-shirt…), and it was a joy for Melissa to reconnect with Jason Coombs, filmmaker, activist, and BFF co-founder, along with filmmakers from past festivals, and to meet lovely new ones!

That is what we love about festivals. Bridgeport Film Festival is a wonderful one to expand the creative circle.

Learn more about the film at ufhthemovie.com.

A big thank you to the festival, and to everyone who has believed in this timely story from the very first page.

Learn more about the film at ufhthemovie.com.

Written, directed, and produced by Melissa Mars, and filmed on location in Algeria, Al Mhajba is an “innocent” children’s story… until it is not.

Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 5:20 PM (Block 8)
Tin Room Bar and Theater, 923 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA 98166
Buy tickets here

For more information about the film, visit the official Al Mhajba page.

We cannot wait to share it with our first audience. See you in Seattle!

It begins as an “innocent” children’s story… until it is not.

Filmed on location in Algeria, in both Arabic and English, Al Mhajba has been quietly taking shape behind the scenes for quite some time. The film is now in the very final stages of color correction, and a trailer is on the way, along with some fun behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot.

A Family Affair
The film stars Melissa’s young cousins, who are not so little anymore, and it would not have been possible without the love and support of her family.

Editing and Original Score
Special recognition goes to Mark Ward, a filmmaker of many hats, who took on the bold challenge of editing a film in a language he does not speak. Mark and his band, Burnt Tavern, also composed the film’s original score.

The Poster
The official poster was designed by Melss PhotoGraphics, with the creative help of Mathias Bonnard. Special thanks to Saif and Mark for the handwritten titles.

Much more to come very soon. Stay tuned!

Discover Al Mhajba

A festival shining a spotlight on women identifying filmmakers, showcasing both short films and short plays!

We screen Sunday June 7, 2:45–4pm, Film Block 4, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers, including Melissa Mars — at Philipstown Depot Theatre in Garrison, NY and its beautiful area (right next to Cold Spring). If you’re in the area, come see us. It’s just a train ride from Grand Central!

This little film about invisible disabilities keeps finding its people. We hope to see you there.

• GLASS CEILING BREAKERS FILM FESTIVAL 2026
  In Person — June 5–7, 2026
  The Sign: Block 4 — June 7 at 2:45pm
  Philipstown Depot Theatre, Garrison, NY
  (Garrison MTA train station)
  Tickets: www.theatrerevolution.org/gcb2026-ticket-information

The Sign — Winner Audience Choice Award — Honorable Mention Yofifest 2025

A woman’s peaceful jog takes a dark turn when she dials 911 after spotting a man with a dog in a no-dogs-allowed park. But things are not always as they seem…

More to come.

Huge thanks YoFiFest from the bottom of our hearts. What a beautiful festival, what a warm crowd, and what a joy to feel the love for this little film about seeing beyond what’s visible.

To everyone who watched The Sign and voted for it — thank you. You refilled our creative tanks!

The Sign cast and crew… together for the very first time!
What an honor to stand with our cast, crew, and family and watch The Sign on the big screen at YoFiFest.
Meet below >>

Domino, our star, service dog, and now official actor, absolutely owned the red carpet.
And Monica Blaze Leavitt, a total rockstar, brought the voice of the Karen to life. A true gem.
As for Melissa Mars… She played the Karen’s legs, and wore the writer, director, and producer hats too.

Because film is a visual art, Mars designed a frame that leaves much unseen — just like invisible disabilities — and shot the entire film from the legs down, the dog’s perspective. So of course… we had to take a “legs-only” red carpet photo with Domino.

Now, about the festival…
We were truly honored to be selected. The lineup was inspiring, the filmmakers incredible, and the Q&A was a joy. The love and support for the film was overwhelming, moments like these refill our tank and remind us as filmmakers why we make movies. Stories born from personal sparks become team efforts, and then — magic — they reach people we’ve never met. That’s everything.