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.

Established more than 30 years ago, the Roy W. Dean grant supports independent filmmakers and films that make an impact on society. This is the first time Melissa Mars has reached this stage in a grant process.

A grant application is much more than a script. It brings together the budget, the financing plan, the marketing and distribution plans, and the pitch deck, covering every aspect of bringing a story to life. Reaching the finalist stage marks a milestone in Melissa’s path, not only as a writer but also as a producer.

Final results are coming very soon!

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

Over two intense days in August, cast and crew brought the story to life in Albuquerque. What was first planned as a Brooklyn shoot found a new home in New Mexico, thanks to Joshua A. Friedman and Candice Neu, who joined Melissa Mars to form the producing team.

Visit ufhthemovie.com to meet the cast and crew and see more behind-the-scenes photos.

Post-production is now underway. We cannot wait to share what comes next.

More to come.

As she heads to her first day on a major studio film, a French actress of Arab heritage is profiled as an illegal, then a threat, and subjected to a hostile interrogation at a U.S. airport.

Conceived as a proof of concept for the feature My Ancestors’ Song, UFH is also a standalone dark satire short film — and it is moving fast.

The film is fiscally sponsored by From the Heart Productions, and we are actively fundraising. Whether you’d like to support with a cash donation or an in-kind contribution, every bit of help brings this film to life.

Visit the official UFH website to learn more, meet the team, and find out how you can be part of it.

ufhthemovie.com

More to come.

Originally written as a short drama by Melissa Mars, My Ancestors’ Song follows an Algerian-French actress navigating Hollywood while grappling with her cultural identity. From its early accolades — Best Screenplay Award at Bridgeport Film Festival 2022, Hollyshorts 2022 Semi-finalist, Screecraft Film Fund 2022 Quarter Finalist, Outstanding Screenplays Semi-finalist, Top of Coverfly’s Red List),— to audience reactions like “This is also my story,” “Powerful,” and “Heartfelt,” we knew this story had to go further.

With the first draft now written, we’re diving into rewrites and are excited to bring this story closer to the big screen. Stay tuned for more updates!