Independent art cinema welcomes filmmaker/star Gene Pope for a special evening…
Las Vegas has become such a hotbed for filmmakers that VEGAS 411 has added a “movies/cinemas” category to our offerings. From two new downtown movie houses to high-profile film shoots and an upcoming production studio, Sin City is transforming into “Cinema City”. For movie fans, that’s terrific news.
Our city has at least five super-cool movie theaters, along with attractions based on John Wick, the SAW and IT franchises, and Army of the Dead. Filmmakers utilize our unique landmarks and gorgeous natural surroundings as backdrops for comedies, drama, horror, science fiction, and action. CinemaCon takes place at Caesars Palace annually, and fan conventions pack in thousands of participants.
Next week, the gorgeous Beverly Theater will host a screening of the comedy-drama QUEEN OF KNIVES. Co-written and starring Gene Pope, the film follows a middle-aged NYC man adapting to a newly-single existence in contemporary times. It’s a continuation of characters first introduced in 2020’s KING OF KNIVES. Both films were directed by Joe Delgado and feature Gene’s daughter Roxie Pope as “Kaitlin”.
“Queen of Knives,” follows the Benetto family, which is scattered to the winds in Brooklyn, NY. There’s no predicting where they will end up. Relationships keep shifting. Generations keep trying to adapt to a new world. Risky behavior is the norm.
Eventually, their paths all lead back to a fateful dinner at their former home, with surprise visitors and lots of unintended consequences. Where secrets are revealed, and a final page is turned. The biggest question is: Who exactly are the adults here? A mix of sharp and witty dialogue, comedy, and drama that so many of us can relate to. A story that sucks you in, and you’re glad for it.
Both “KNIVES” films get their titles from tarot cards. The “Queen of Knives” has many interpretations. One suggests that the Queen is an older woman who will step in to help you overcome a problem. She can also represent someone who has experienced tough events but comes through them stronger and wiser. The wisdom-seeking journey makes for relatable drama, a cinematic genre that’s become increasingly rare.
The Beverly Theater, a custom-built venue in its second year, is much more than a screening room. It was designed to be an interactive arena where filmmakers and the audience could discuss the feature presentation. The entire auditorium is equipped with microphones, allowing guests to be heard from their seats. With retractable walls and seats, the theater doubles as a concert space. It’s also ideal for a wide variety of live events.
Opened on March 3rd, 2023, The Beverly Theater launched its innovative programming slate with A24‘s PAST LIVES. Director Celine Song was present to answer questions about the film, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Ms. Song received an additional nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
The Queen of Knives screening on June 18th will include a “fireside chat” with star Gene Pope. He’ll pull back the curtain on creating a film from script to screen. Las Vegas resident Stacey Gualandi will host the event. Gualandi is an Emmy-winning journalist whose credits include Entertainment Tonight, EXTRA, Inside Edition, and Chic Compass Magazine.
The Beverly Theater screening of QUEEN OF KNIVES takes place at 7 pm on June 18, 2024. This is a free event. A limited number of seats were still available at press time. Obtain yours by scanning the QR code above or by following this link.
Photos by Vegas 411. Film screenshots via QUEEN OF KNIVES
The Beverly Theater is located at 515 S 6th Street in downtown Las Vegas. Ample on-street parking is available.