James McAvoy Directorial Debut to Close Zurich Film Festival’s Music Section

James McAvoy’s first film as a director will have its European premiere in Zurich. The movie, titled California Schemin’, will close the festival’s Sounds sidebar. The event focuses on music-centered films.

The festival runs from September 25 to October 5. McAvoy will attend the award ceremony on October 4 as a special guest. According to Reuters, the film tells a wild true story from the music industry.

California Schemin’ Tells a Wild True Music Story

The film is based on the true story of Silibil N’ Brains. They were a Scottish rap duo in the early 2000s. The pair faked being Californian artists to get a record deal.

They perfected American accents and invented backstories. Their deception was so convincing they opened for Eminem. Their scam was eventually revealed, ending their short-lived career.

McAvoy both directs and co-stars in the project. The film promises a behind-the-scenes look at the music business. It explores the thin line between reality and illusion in show business.

Zurich Festival Sounds Lineup Features Major Music Films

The Sounds section includes several high-profile music documentaries. Baz Luhrmann’s Epic: Elvis Presley in Concert will screen there. It features never-before-seen concert footage of the legendary performer.

Other titles include Mona Fastvold’s musical The Testament of Ann Lee. Amy Berg’s documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley will also be featured. The section offers a diverse look at music’s power on screen.

Festival director Christian Jungen praised McAvoy’s film. He called it a highly entertaining look at the world of show business. The movie will have its world premiere in Toronto before coming to Zurich.

The European premiere of California Schemin’ is a major event for the festival. This James McAvoy directorial debut highlights a fascinating musical con. It underscores the enduring appeal of stranger-than-fiction stories.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is California Schemin’ about?

It is based on the true story of a Scottish rap duo. They pretended to be from California to get a record deal. Their scam led them to open for major acts like Eminem.

Is this James McAvoy’s first time directing?

Yes, this is McAvoy’s feature directorial debut. He is also a co-star in the film. He is best known for his acting in films like Split and the X-Men series.

When is the Zurich Film Festival?

The 2024 festival is scheduled from September 25 to October 5. The European premiere of McAvoy’s film is on October 4. It will be held at the Zurich Opera House.

What other films are in the Sounds section?

The section includes a new Elvis Presley concert film by Baz Luhrmann. It also features a Jeff Buckley documentary and a historical musical. The lineup is dedicated to music-focused cinema.

Where did the film premiere first?

California Schemin’ will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Its screening in Zurich will be its European debut. Toronto’s festival takes place in September.