Charli XCX has praised Berlin Film Festival as a place that “doesn’t shy away from political films.”
The actor and producer was speaking at the press conference for Aidan Zamiri’s The Moment which launched at Sundance last month and has its international premiere in Panorama at the Berlinale.
Charli responded to a question from Screen about why it was important for the film to begin its release at festivals.
“We collectively feel honoured to be invited to show our film,” said Charli. “Both festivals [Sundance and Berlin] really do champion a wide variety of filmmakers with really important voices.
“This festival in particular is known for not shying away from political films, from films that have a real social angle by directors who are visionary and have something to say.
“For me as a producer, as an actor, those are the kind of films that we love. Those are the films that we want to champion ourselves. I’m only just starting out in this industry, but I feel passionate about working within those spaces. And we all feel so honoured to be here; we’re very thankful for this festival.”
Charli’s comments come after political opinions have been in focus at Berlin. On Thursday, jury president Wim Wenders said that “films are the opposite of politics”; with his comments and those of some of his fellow jurors leading to Indian author Arundhati Roy cancelling her appearance at the festival.
Charli was joined at the Berlin press conference by Zamiri and producer David Hinojosa. Speaking to Screen during Sundance, Charli, Zamiri and Hinojosa discussed why the film had to be shot in the UK, with Charli saying “the tone wouldn’t have been the same anywhere else.”
The Moment is a mockumentary that shows Charli preparing for a large stadium gig as her 2024 brat album becomes a cultural phenomenon. A24 started a limited release for The Moment in the US on January 30, taking a strong $427,940 – the third-highest limited opening for an A24 film since the pandemic.
Universal Pictures International has rights in several international territories including UK-Ireland, where the film is releasing from this Friday, February 20.
The Berlinale runs until Sunday, February 22.
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