The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, will host the movie premiere of The Match-Stick Flame 3: Red Mafia on March 7, 2026. The event, beginning with a red carpet at 3:30 p.m. and followed by the screening from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., will take place at 201 N Brand Blvd B100. The film, the third installment in the series, follows Detective Dalton, a Navy SEAL veteran turned bounty hunter, as he works to dismantle the Russian Mob, known as the Red Mafia, and rescue DEA Agent Prasad.
According to Michael Matsuda, museum director, the film is a natural fit for the venue due to its action sequences and mixed martial arts, featuring experienced martial artists such as Darryl Vidal, known for the “crane kick” in The Karate Kid and a role in Cobra Kai Season 6. The film also explores Dalton’s struggle with PTSD and his use of alternative medicine, including karate training with Sensei Darryl Vidal, alongside traditional therapy. This narrative underscores the importance of martial arts in physical and mental rehabilitation, a theme relevant to veteran communities.
The premiere offers an opportunity for the local community to engage with the museum and support independent filmmaking. Tickets will be available at the door at $12 for adults and $5 for children 17 and under, with credit cards accepted. The museum is located at the corner of Brand and Wilson, next to a Muay Thai school, and parking is available at the 4-story tower at 222 N. Orange Street, with the first 90 minutes free.
Fans of the series can also watch the earlier films on streaming platforms. The Match-Stick Flame is available on Tubi, and The Match-Stick Flame 2: Lunada Bay can be streamed on Tubi as well. The third installment will soon be available on streaming services including Tubi, Amazon, and YouTube.
This premiere not only showcases a locally produced action film but also highlights the Martial Arts History Museum’s role in promoting martial arts culture and its therapeutic benefits. By featuring a story centered on a veteran’s journey, the event underscores the broader societal importance of supporting veterans through alternative therapies and community engagement.
