Zurich, August 28, 2025 – The 21st Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) has announced that Scottish actor and director James McAvoy will headline this year’s Sounds section, which celebrates the interplay between film and music. McAvoy will attend the festival as a special guest and present his first feature film as a director, California Schemin’, at its European premiere during the Award Night at the Zurich Opera House on October 4.
Best known for his performances in Atonement, X-Men, Split, and this year’s Speak No Evil, McAvoy makes his directorial debut with the extraordinary true story of the Scottish rap duo Silibil N’ Brains. In the early 2000s, the pair reinvented themselves as Californian hip-hop stars in a daring attempt to break into the music industry. With faked identities and perfect American accents, they secured a record deal and even opened for Eminem—before their carefully constructed façade began to crumble. McAvoy not only directs but also makes an appearance in the film.
“California Schemin’ is a highly entertaining music film based on a true story, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of show business and revealing how thin the line between reality and illusion can be,” said Festival Director Christian Jungen. “We are thrilled that James McAvoy has chosen Zurich for the European premiere and to celebrate it in the iconic Opera House.”
Alongside California Schemin’, the Sounds section will showcase several other international highlights:
- EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert – Visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge, Elvis) reimagines the King of Rock ’n’ Roll in an innovative audiovisual concert experience, screening in Europe for the first time.
- The Testament of Ann Lee – Directed by Mona Fastvold (The World to Come), this historical musical stars Amanda Seyfried as Ann Lee, founder of the radical Shaker movement.
- It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley – Oscar-nominated director Amy Berg pays tribute to the late singer-songwriter with never-before-seen archival material and intimate accounts from Buckley’s loved ones and collaborators.
- Melodie – In its world premiere, Swiss director Anka Schmid explores the healing and connective power of singing across cultures, ages, and life experiences.
- Dandelion’s Odyssey – French-Japanese filmmaker Momoko Seto presents a visually stunning animated adventure about four dandelion seeds on a cosmic quest for a new home.
Launched in 2019, the Sounds section has become a festival favorite, offering audiences a chance to experience how cinema and music intertwine—through stories of legendary musicians, experimental soundscapes, and rhythm-driven narratives.
The Zurich Film Festival runs from September 25 to October 5, 2025.
