Charli xcx opens up about music industry inspiration behind 'The Moment'

Charli xcx has made waves in the film world with her latest project, The Moment, an A24-backed mockumentary that has debuted at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. 

Now screening at the Berlin Film Festival’s Panorama section.

Directed by Aidan Zamiri and co-written with Bertie Brandes, the film is based on an original concept by Charli xcx, who also stars as a rising pop star navigating the pressures of fame while preparing for her arena-tour debut.

At a Berlinale press event, Charli xcx joked about her preparation for the role, saying, “I’ve been training to play this role my entire life, from the day I was born. 

In ways, it’s extremely method.” She clarified that the scenarios in the film are fictional, but reflected, in part, experiences she has encountered in the music industry.

“I’ve definitely met characters that we touch on, and I’ve definitely reacted in ways close to the way that I react in the film,” she said. “Have I had a breakdown in the back of a Viano while smoking a million cigarettes? Yes. So I definitely had a lot to draw upon.”

When asked why she chose the festival route, Charli xcx emphasized her respect for the platforms these events provide for filmmakers. 

“This festival in particular [Berlin] is known for not shying away from political films and films that have a real social angle by directors who really are visionary and have something to say,” she said. “For me, as a producer and actor, for Aidan as a director, and David as a producer, those are the kinds of films we love. I feel passionate about working within these spaces.”

The film’s ensemble cast includes Kylie Jenner, Rachel Sennott, Kate Berlant, Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Jamie Demetriou, Arielle Dombasle, Hailey Benton Gates, Trew Mullen, Mel Ottenberg, Richard Perez, Isaac Powell, Rish Shah, Tish Weinstock, Michael Workéyè, Shygirl, and A.G. Cook. 

Charli xcx produced The Moment under her Studio365 label alongside David Hinojosa, with executive producers Brandon Creed, Mikey Schwartz-Wright, and Zach Nutman.

A24 recently reported that The Moment has become the company’s fastest-selling limited release, highlighting the strong demand for Charli xcx’s first major film project as both a performer and producer.