The Martial Arts History Museum will host a movie premiere for The Match-Stick Flame 3: Red Mafia on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The event includes a red carpet from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and a movie screening from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 201 N Brand Blvd B100 in Glendale, California.
The film follows Detective Dalton, a Navy Seal veteran with PTSD portrayed by Craig Bruss, who becomes a bounty hunter. Dalton works to complete an assignment from DEA Agent Prasad, played by Vineeta Prasad, to dismantle the remaining Lunada Bay gang members in Rancho Palos Verdes. The plot intensifies as Dalton must hunt down the Russian Mob, known as the "Red Mafia," to rescue Agent Prasad after she is taken. He reconnects with allies including Chief Higgins, the Match Stick Mobsters, and Jake in the rescue mission. Dalton's character explores alternative medicine strategies with karate Sensei Darryl Vidal alongside traditional therapy, adding depth to the narrative.
Michael Matsuda, Museum Director, stated that the film screening is a natural fit for the venue, as it is an action film featuring mixed martial arts and experienced actors and martial artists. He highlighted Darryl Vidal, known for the "crane kick" in The Karate Kid and a role in Cobra Kai Season 6, as a key figure in the production. The museum aims to offer a special event for attendees in Glendale, leveraging its location at the corner of Brand and Wilson, next to Muay Thai School.
Tickets are available at the door for $12 for adults and $5 for kids aged 17 and under, with credit cards accepted. Parking is available at a 4-story tower at 222 N. Orange Street, where the first 90 minutes are free. The film will soon be available on streaming services such as Tubi, Amazon, and YouTube, expanding its reach beyond the premiere. For reference, previous films in the series can be viewed on Tubi, including The Match-Stick Flame at https://link.tubi.tv/ufOgoEMNs0b and The Match-Stick Flame 2: Lunada Bay at https://link.tubi.tv/UsW1b0XP7Zb.
This premiere underscores the growing trend of independent films utilizing digital platforms for distribution, with Tubi and similar services offering broader accessibility. For business and technology leaders, this highlights opportunities in niche markets, such as martial arts-themed content, and the strategic use of streaming to reach global audiences without traditional theatrical releases. The involvement of martial arts veterans like Darryl Vidal adds credibility and appeals to dedicated fan bases, potentially driving engagement and viewership. The event also reflects how cultural institutions, like museums, are adapting by hosting multimedia events to attract diverse audiences and support local arts. In an era where digital content consumption is rising, such initiatives demonstrate the blending of physical and virtual experiences, offering insights into evolving business models in the entertainment and technology sectors.
