Melissa Mars stars in the indie horror film Sorrow

When it came to casting the role of Detective Salinas in the indie horror film Sorrow, Millie Loredo knew she had to have indie film sweetheart Melissa Mars play her. Mars got her start in the entertainment industry in her home country of France as a pop singer.

Since then, Mars has become a part of the independent film scene in the United States, filming roles in movies like The Cabining and Curse of Mesopotamia. Her love for independent films comes from what she calls the “human element” of production.

“We obviously don’t make these movies for the money but for the sake of the story that we feel we absolutely need to tell and share,” Mars said. “Most of the time, the director and producers invest all of their money and time to make that story come out on the big screen, and I respect that devotion so much; it makes me also want to give everything I can.”

Sorrow centers on the story of Mila Sweeney, a forensic psychologist who is kidnapped and tortured by two deranged serial killers but manages to escape to exact revenge against her captors. Mars plays one of the detectives who investigate the scene of the grisly crime. In fact, that was the hardest scene to shoot, she said.

“The most difficult scene to shoot was a scene in the killers’ house in Houston, Texas, because it was so hot and humid, and there were a lot of people on set, which made it warmer,” Mars said. “I normally love hot showers, but that day, I would have given anything for cold shower.”

However difficult the conditions were to film in, Mars was happy to have been chosen for the role of Detective Salinas. Loredo contacted Mars when she was in Palmdale, California shooting Assassin’s Game to ask her to send in a tape for the role.

“I didn’t have time to tape on set, but I did once we had wrapped the movie and I was back home in L.A.,” Mars said. “I was seriously jetlagged and so exhausted that I almost gave up on taping myself and decided to take a nap instead. I am glad I did, though, because after that, I was regenerated and taped myself as Detective Salinas.”

Two days later, Loredo contacted Mars to welcome her onboard the project. Mars immediately began researching the lives of detectives as well as what it takes to become one. She gave her character a back-story, including a family, a love life, motivations for her career and things she enjoys doing outside of work.

Mars’ dedication to character is what Loredo noticed most about her. She is proud to have her onboard for the premiere of the film at River Oaks Theatre in Houston, Texas on Tuesday, April 21, a little less than two weeks away. Loredo will also be screening the film in Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; and twice in New York, New York (at the Quad Cinema and the Anthology Film Archives).

“I feel positive that audiences will be receptive to Loredo’s movie and all the hard work that has been put into it,” Mars said. “This story is not only based on true events but also generates so much horror, fright and discomfort. I think horror fans will love it!”