Filmmaker Matthew Zeno made his mark in Gotham with the premiere of his riveting short film “The Scorpion” this month.
New York City came out on a cold January night to warm up over the hot flick last weekend at One Manhattan Square. Starring the magnetic Keith Beck and Dolly Lewis, “The Scorpion” offers a gripping exploration of loyalty, morality, and the complexities of human nature within the life of a cartel hitman.
(Photo by Richard Oliver)
Notable guests, including Ben Stiller. Joining the star-studded audience were filmmaker Hamid Castro, leading restaurateur Eytan Sugarman, hospitality notable Shaun Rose, “The Bachelorette’s” Charity Lawson and Dotun Olubeko, actress Amber Wang, artist Sergio Farias, and notable figures Kaylin Shepherd, Vicky Zesu, and Winta Zesu.
(Photo by Richard Oliver)
The story follows “Scorpion,” a former soldier turned cartel hitman who has methodically worked his way to prominence within the New York branch of the organization. What begins as an ordinary day of high-stakes assignments takes a dramatic turn when Scorpion is presented with a life-changing opportunity: carry out a midnight assassination and climb higher within the cartel’s hierarchy. However, when the identity of his target is revealed, Scorpion is faced with a profound moral dilemma —one that forces him to weigh his loyalty to the cartel against his humanity.
(Photo by Richard Oliver)
Before the main screening, the audience was treated to an exclusive teaser for filmmaker Hamid Castro’s upcoming project, Lake George, further building excitement for the evening’s cinematic showcase.
Guests enjoyed a delightful array of snacks, including Cookie Pop and Candy Pop popcorn treats in signature flavors such as Candy Pop Snickers, Candy Pop M&Ms Minis and Cookie Pop OREO, as they immersed themselves in the gripping narrative of The Scorpion. Following the screening, attendees mingled in the cozy fire lounge adjacent to the theater, indulging in wine from Carollo Vineyards and savoring New York’s finest pizza from Made in New York Pizza on Hudson Street.
