Quentin Tarantino Has A “Secret Screening” Planned For Cannes 2023

Good news, Quentin Tarantino fans: THR reports that the director will present a “secret screening” at the Cannes Film Festival this month. Is it “The Movie Critic,” QT’s purported tenth and final film? No, of course not; he plans to start shooting that later this year. But the screening, which takes place at Cannes’ Director’s Fortnight, will tie in somehow to his recent book of film criticism, “Cinema Speculation.”

READ MORE: Quentin Tarantino Says ‘The Movie Critic’ Is About A “Real” But “Not Known” Male Critics & Isn’t A Revenge Movie

Here’s the info Cannes supplied about Tarantino’s appearance on the Croisette this year. First, he’s the guest of honor for the 76th edition of the festival, he’ll present his “secret screening” on May 25, and QT will discuss the “counter-history of cinema” he elucidates in “Cinema Speculation” while he’s there. Tarantino’s phrasing alludes to how the festival describes its Director’s Fortnight competition, calling it “counter-programming of free-spirited films from all over the world.”  

Cannes launched the Director’s Fortnight in 1969, right in the middle of the era when a “new generation of filmmakers rose against old Hollywood,” as Tarantino writes about in his book. So QT indeed has something from that period in mind for his mystery screening. Any ideas? QT and the Director’s Fortnight remain mum on a confirmed title, but hinted there will be “a rockabilly vibe on closing day.” So speculate away, cinephiles, on what Tarantino plans to show.

Tarantino isn’t a stranger to the Cannes Film Festival. He was last there four years ago for the world premiere of his previous film, “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.” And, of course, the director won the coveted Palme d’Or for his sophomore feature “Pulp Fiction” 29 years ago. QT’s secret screening may not win any of the Director’s Fortnight’s awards, but his presence on the Croisette makes this year’s Cannes Film Festival feel even more special.