Women-Led Independent Production ‘The Better World’ Brings Beloved Fantasy Series to Screen for First Time; Event Features Book Sales, Cosplay, and Q&A
SALEM, MA – January 16, 2026 – Cinema Salem will host an exclusive screening of The Better World, an independent fan film based on Sarah J. Maas’s bestselling Throne of Glass fantasy series, on Thursday, January 23, 2026, at 9:00 PM. The event marks the first time characters from the beloved book series have been brought to the screen, offering fans a long-awaited cinematic experience.
The fifty-four-minute film was produced by a women-led team with an entirely female cast. Filmed on location in Catalonia, Spain, during the summer of 2025, The Better World was funded through a successful crowdfunding campaign that demonstrated the passionate dedication of the Throne of Glass fan community.
Set ten years after the conclusion of Kingdom of Ash—the final novel in Maas’s eight-book series—the film takes place on Crown Princess Elena Marion Whitethorn Galathynius’s eighth birthday. The celebration coincides with the tenth anniversary of the devastating Second Valg War, bringing the story’s beloved characters together for an emotionally charged reunion. Themes of generational trauma, grief, hope, and motherhood drive the narrative as characters grapple with what it means to build the better world referenced in the title.
“This screening represents exactly why independent cinema matters,” said Cinema Salem. “When passionate creators and dedicated fan communities come together, they can bring stories to life in ways that honor both the source material and the audiences who love it.”
The evening will feature multiple activities beyond the film screening:
- Book Sales: Copper Dog Books, the independent bookstore from Beverly, MA, will be on-site selling the complete Throne of Glass series for attendees interested in exploring or expanding their collection.
- Director Remarks: Following the screening, remarks from the film’s director will be shared with the audience.
- Q&A Session: A question-and-answer session will conclude the evening, allowing attendees to engage directly with the creative team.
- Cosplay Welcome: Costume and cosplay are encouraged, inviting fans to celebrate their favorite characters from the series.
Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series has sold over seventy-five million copies worldwide and has been published in more than forty languages. TIME Magazine named it “one of the best fantasy series of the past decade.” Despite the series’ massive global following, official screen adaptations have not materialized, making fan productions like The Better World particularly meaningful to the community.
Tickets for the screening are available through Eventbrite
Event Details
What: The Better World – A Throne of Glass Fan Film Screening
Date: Thursday, January 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Cinema Salem, 1 East India Square, Salem, MA 01970
Tickets: Available via Eventbrite
Features: Book sales, director remarks, Q&A session, cosplay encouraged
About Cinema Salem
Cinema Salem is an independent four-screen movie theater and cultural hub located in downtown Salem, Massachusetts. Since reopening in 2021, the theater has served as a community gathering space offering first-run films, independent cinema, classic movie screenings, and special events. Cinema Salem is committed to supporting film and the arts while fostering connection among North Shore audiences. For more information, visit www.cinemasalem.com.
About Copper Dog Books
Copper Dog Books is an independent bookstore located at 272 Cabot Street in Beverly, Massachusetts. Owned by Meg Wasmer and Julie Karaganis, the store offers a curated selection of books across genres with particular strength in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Copper Dog Books serves as a dedicated community partner through book clubs, author events, and collaborations with local organizations. For more information, visit www.copperdogbooks.com.
About Throne of Glass
Throne of Glass is a high fantasy novel series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. The eight-book series follows Celaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin navigating a corrupt kingdom, and concluded with Kingdom of Ash in October 2018. The series has been published in over forty languages and has cultivated a passionate global fan community.
