Fantastic Fest, the celebration of out-there cinema, is known for its thrilling secret screenings that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. This year, the festival hosts a record five secret screenings, adding an extra layer of excitement for attendees. The mystery surrounding these screenings has become a hallmark of the festival, with audiences eagerly anticipating the reveal of each film.
The festival, which will run from Sept. 19-26 at the Alamo South Lamar, has already announced a stellar lineup of films, including world premieres of Terrifier 3, V/H/S/Beyond, and the highly anticipated creature feature Never Let Go starring Halle Berry. However, it is the secret screenings that truly capture the imagination of festival-goers, offering a unique and unpredictable viewing experience.
The tradition of secret screenings at Fantastic Fest dates back to 2007 when the festival surprised audiences with the world premiere of “There Will Be Blood” on closing night. Since then, the festival has continued to push the boundaries with its secret screenings, showcasing a mix of upcoming releases and surprise restorations. The element of surprise has become a major draw for attendees, who relish the opportunity to experience something completely unexpected.
In recent years, the festival has expanded the number of secret screenings, with last year featuring four secret films that captivated audiences. This year, with five secret screenings on the schedule, Fantastic Fest promises even more surprises and thrills for attendees. The festival organizers are keeping tight-lipped about the titles of the secret screenings, fueling speculation and anticipation among fans.
To add an extra element of excitement to the secret screenings, Fantastic Fest is hosting a “Guess the Secret Screenings” contest. Participants can submit their guesses for all five films on the festival’s website, with the chance to win a fan badge to the 2025 festival. Additionally, those who can correctly guess the titles and the order in which they screen will win a Cult badge, complete with exclusive bonuses and extras. The contest is open to everyone, making it a fun and engaging way for fans to participate in the festival experience.
As Fantastic Fest 2024 approaches, audiences are buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the secret screenings. The festival has a reputation for showcasing bold, boundary-pushing cinema, and the secret screenings are sure to deliver on that promise. From horror to sci-fi to arthouse, the secret screenings offer a diverse range of films that cater to a wide variety of tastes and preferences.
For fans of cinema, the secret screenings at Fantastic Fest are a rare and thrilling opportunity to experience something truly unique. With the element of surprise and the chance to see films before they hit theaters, the secret screenings offer a one-of-a-kind viewing experience that is not to be missed. As the festival gears up for its biggest year yet, audiences can look forward to a lineup of secret screenings that will keep them guessing until the lights go down.
