Ben McKenzie's Cryptocurrency Documentary to Premiere at SXSW London

Actor Ben McKenzie, known for his roles in television series such as Gotham and The OC, is set to make his directorial debut with a documentary that critically examines the cryptocurrency industry. The film, titled "Everyone Is Lying To You For Money," is scheduled to premiere at SXSW London in June. McKenzie, who has been vocal about his skepticism towards cryptocurrency, has included interviews with former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky, both of whom were prominent figures in the industry before their companies faced significant downfalls.

McKenzie's documentary aims to address the persistent misinformation surrounding cryptocurrency. He has been actively involved in speaking out against the issues within the industry since 2021, and his efforts culminated in his testimony at a US Senate hearing following the collapse of FTX in November 2022. The documentary will delve into the connections between El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and the cryptocurrency industry, particularly his proposal to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021.

The inclusion of interviews with Bankman-Fried and Mashinsky adds a layer of intrigue to the documentary. Bankman-Fried, who was found guilty on seven felony charges related to the collapse of FTX, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2024. Mashinsky, who pleaded guilty to two felony charges as part of a deal with US prosecutors in December 2024, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8. Authorities have requested a 20-year sentence for the former CEO of Celsius.

McKenzie's documentary is expected to provide a comprehensive and critical look at the cryptocurrency industry, shedding light on the controversies and misinformation that have plagued it. The film's premiere at SXSW London will mark a significant moment in McKenzie's career, as he transitions from acting to directing and producing a documentary that addresses a topic of global interest.