The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, is set to host a movie marathon featuring all three films of the Match-Stick Flame series this Saturday, August 15, 2026, starting at 1:00 pm. The event will take place at the museum's location at 201 N Brand Blvd B100, Glendale, CA 91203. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch The Match-Stick Flame 1, 2, and 3 in a single sitting, celebrating the action-packed franchise that blends martial arts with compelling storytelling.
The latest installment, The Match-Stick Flame 3: Red Mafia, was released in February 2026. The film follows Detective Dalton (Craig Bruss), a Navy SEAL veteran with PTSD, who now works as a bounty hunter. Dalton is tasked by DEA Agent Prasad (Vineeta Prasad) to dismantle the remaining Lunada Bay gang members in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. However, when Agent Prasad is kidnapped by the Russian Mob known as the “Red Mafia,” Dalton must reunite with Chief Higgins, the Match Stick Mobsters, and his ally Jake to rescue her. Throughout the film, Dalton seeks alternative therapies, including karate training with Sensei Darryl Vidal, alongside traditional therapy, to manage his PTSD.
Michael Matsuda, Museum Director, expressed enthusiasm about the screening, noting that the films are a natural fit for the museum's mission. “The film screening of The Match-Stick Flame 1, 2, and 3 seems like a natural fit since they are action films with mixed martial arts featuring highly experienced actors/martial artists such as Darryl Vidal, known for the ‘crane kick’ in The Karate Kid and playing a referee in Cobra Kai Season 6,” Matsuda stated. “We are excited to offer this special event for all who want to come to Glendale.”
The Match-Stick Flame series has garnered a dedicated following among martial arts enthusiasts and cinema lovers, driving engagement on streaming platforms. The films are currently available on Amazon Prime, Tubi, YouTube, and Fawesome. For those unable to attend the marathon, the films can be streamed online. Direct links include The Match-Stick Flame on Tubi (https://link.tubi.tv/ufOgoEMNs0b), The Match-Stick Flame 2: Lunada Bay on Tubi (https://link.tubi.tv/UsW1b0XP7Zb), and The Match-Stick Flame 3: Red Mafia on Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/Match-Stick-Flame-Red-Mafia/dp/B0GQCVY219).
Craig Bruss, who wrote all three screenplays, explained that the series explores complex themes such as PTSD and resilience within action frameworks. This focus on mental health and recovery adds depth to the high-octane martial arts sequences, offering audiences more than just entertainment. The films highlight the growing intersection of martial arts narratives in mainstream media, reflecting a broader trend of incorporating diverse perspectives and real-world issues into genre cinema.
The marathon is open to all ages, with tickets available at the door (credit cards accepted) for $12 for adults and $5 for children 17 and under. The museum is located at the corner of Brand and Wilson, next to the Muay Thai School. Parking is available at the 4-story tower at 222 N. Orange Street, with the first 90 minutes free. This event provides a unique opportunity for fans to experience the entire Match-Stick Flame saga in one afternoon while supporting a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and promoting martial arts history.
