At a Glance
- The Moment, a mockumentary starring Charli xcx, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 22.
- The film, directed by Aidan Zamiri, is inspired by the singer’s real-life tour and will hit theaters on Jan. 30.
- The premiere featured a star-studded cast, including Rosanna Arquette, Hailey Gates, Alexander Skarsgård, and a cameo by Kylie Jenner.
- Why it matters: The film offers a candid look at fame and the pressures of the music industry, showcasing Charli’s personal journey.
Charli xcx’s debut at Sundance was marked by a mix of performance, humor, and behind-the-scenes insight. The British singer-songwriter, 33, took the Utah festival by storm on Friday, Jan. 22, with the premiere of The Moment, a mockumentary that follows a pop star navigating fame and industry pressure while preparing for a big arena tour.
The Moment’s Premiere
The film was directed and co-written by Aidan Zamiri, who said the project was heavily inspired by Charli’s own international tour for her 2024 hit album Brat. The tour ran from Nov 2024 to Aug 2025, a period that Charli described as “the time I felt on top of the world.” The movie’s premise mirrors that experience, offering a semi-fictionalized look at the highs and lows of touring.
After the screening, Charli quipped to the audience, “I’m obviously quite related to my character, so I had a lot of inspiration to pull from.” She added, “I would like to think I’m not as much of a nightmare as Charli in the film, but my real managers are in the audience and they probably know the true answer to that.” Her playful banter set a light tone for the event.
Cast and Cameos
The premiere was attended by most of the film’s ensemble:
- Rosanna Arquette
- Kate Berlant
- Jamie Demetriou
- Hailey Gates
- Trew Mullen
- Mel Ottenberg
- Isaac Powell
- Rachel Sennott
- Rish Shah
- Tish Weinstock
- Michael Workéyè
- Alexander Skarsgård
The film also features a cameo by Kylie Jenner, adding a pop-culture twist to the narrative.
Behind the Scenes
During the event, Zamiri hurriedly confirmed, “Yes, yes, confirmed,” prompting a laugh from Charli, who replied, “Too f—ing right.” The director also highlighted the influence of the late Rob Reiner’s mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, noting that the film drew from a “plethora of films that were about something real but not quite.” He added that the team aimed to blend those references with a fresh, weird, and beautiful aesthetic.
A24’s Role
A24, the studio behind the film, announced that The Moment will be released in theaters on Jan. 30. The official synopsis reads: “A rising pop star navigates the complexities of fame and industry pressure while preparing for her arena tour debut.” The release date positions the film as a timely addition to the 2026 Sundance lineup, which runs from Jan. 22 to Feb. 1.
Charli’s Perspective
When asked about her experience, Charli reflected on the diverse characters she has met throughout her career. She said, “I’ve met the people who are truly kind of like rooting for you no matter what, even if you’re an a–hole. I’ve met the people who are in it to be close to the artist. I’ve met the sort of people who are so like, ‘We totally get you’ and they really don’t.” She added that these encounters helped her prepare for the roles she portrays on screen.
Charli also noted that her busy debut at Sundance included other premieres: Gregg Araki-directed I Want Your Sex starring Olivia Wilde and Cathy Yan-directed The Gallerist starring Natalie Portman. She said, “I think for all of us as artists, it’s like, you wanna challenge yourself and you wanna totally switch the creative soup that you’re in and go and live in a different bowl for a while.”
Sundance Context
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival marks the last time the event will be held in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, before moving to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. It is also the first festival after the passing of founder Robert Redford. The festival’s lineup includes a range of independent films, with The Moment positioned as a standout due to its star power and personal storytelling.
Key Takeaways
- The Moment blends Charli xcx’s real-life touring experience with a mockumentary format.
- The film’s premiere was a high-energy event featuring a notable cast and candid commentary from the artist.
- A24’s theatrical release on Jan. 30 positions the film for a broad audience following the Sundance buzz.
- The Sundance Film Festival’s 2026 edition will be the last in Utah before the venue change, adding historical significance to the event.
Meta Note: The film’s release coincides with the end of the festival’s Utah era, offering a unique moment for fans and industry insiders alike.
