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!

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…

Awarded best of Westchester’s “Best New Film Festival” and “Best Film Geek Event”! 

After touching hearts in the US and abroad, this powerful short film is returning to New York to be part of a festival celebrated for its vibrant community and dedication to diverse, thought-provoking storytelling.

YoFiFest has built a strong reputation for championing independent voices and unique cinematic perspectives, and we are truly honored to be included in the 13th edition of the festival this year.

We’re thrilled to invite you to the New York screening on November 15, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM:

Riverfront Atrium Theater
Yonkers Riverfront Library – 1st Floor
1 Larkin Center, Yonkers, NY 10701

Get your tickets [HERE].

We can’t wait to share this story, stay tuned for more information on the screening!

• YOFIFEST FILM FESTIVAL 2025 – IN NEW YORK
  In Person
  November 7th to 16th 2025
  MORE INFO: www.yofifest.com

Last update: 09/26/2025

• YOFIFEST 2025 – NEW YORK
  In Person
  NOV. 15 2025
  MORE INFO: www.yofifest.com
• HEATHCOTE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2025 – PREMIERE IN AUSTRALIA
  In Person
  August 29 & 30 2025
  MORE INFO: www.heathcotefilmfestival.com.au
• NEW YORK MOBILE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 – PREMIERE IN NEW YORK
  In Person – invite only + Online
  July 10 2025
  MORE INFO: www.newyorkmobilefilmfestival.com
• GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 – WORLD PREMIERE
  In Person
  March 29 2025 – 2:45pm-5pm (Block TA11)
  MORE INFO & TIX: www.gsff.org
• INTERNATIONAL MOBILE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 – PREMIERE IN CALIFORNIA
  In Person
  April 25-26-27 2025
  MORE INFO: www.internationalmobilefilmfestival.com

After screening in the US and touching audiences across the country, this moving short film continues its journey internationally — now reaching Australia for the first time!

The Heathcote Film Festival is known for showcasing powerful storytelling and original voices, and we are honored to be part of this year’s lineup.

Stay tuned for more details, and a huge thank you to the festival for welcoming The Sign to Australian audiences for the very first time!

• HEATHCOTE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 – PREMIERE IN AUSTRALIA
  In Person
  August 29th & 30th 2025
  MORE INFO: www.heathcotefilmfestival.com.au

Thank you to the NYMFF team for this honor.

The film will be screened on July 10th during a private, invite-only event in New York.

Director Melissa Mars will attend alongside actress Monica Blaze Leavitt, who lent her voice to the character in the film.

An online screening will take place at the same time!

We’re thrilled to be part of this creative showcase and to continue spreading the message behind The Sign.

• NEW YORK MOBILE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 – PREMIERE IN NEW YORK
  In Person – invite only + Online
  July 10 2025
  MORE INFO: www.newyorkmobilefilmfestival.com