In a world increasingly enamored with cryptocurrencies, Ben McKenzie—a familiar face from television dramas like Gotham and The OC—is poised to make his directorial debut with a hard-hitting documentary titled Everyone Is Lying To You For Money. Slated to premiere at SXSW London in June, this film offers an incisive exploration of the narratives—both false and misleading—that have proliferated in the crypto space.
According to a report by Deadline, McKenzie undertook the roles of writer, director, and producer for this ambitious project. The documentary promises exclusive footage from 2022 featuring former FTX CEO Sam “SBF” Bankman-Fried and former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky, both of whom witnessed their companies crumble amidst the burgeoning cryptocurrency crisis.
“Why is the false story of crypto still spreading?” McKenzie posed in conversation, reflecting on the inspiration behind the film. As the crypto industry faces scrutiny like never before, uncovering the persistent myths could be essential to understanding its future.
In collaboration with Jacob Silverman, a staff writer for The New Republic, McKenzie transitioned from an actor in Hollywood to a vocal critic of the growing cryptocurrency industry in 2021. His commitment intensified following the dramatic collapse of FTX in November 2022, where he testified at a US Senate hearing investigating the exchange’s failure.
Beyond interviews with SBF and Mashinsky, the documentary delves into El Salvador President Nayib Bukele’s controversial ties to cryptocurrency. Bukele gained notoriety in 2021 when he advocated for Bitcoin to be recognized as legal tender, igniting both enthusiasm and skepticism across the globe.
The discussions surrounding Bankman-Fried and Mashinsky’s interviews remain speculative, with the significance of their revelations yet to be determined. McKenzie has not publicly commented on the film’s content at this time.
Bankman-Fried’s Imprisonment and Mashinsky’s Legal Troubles
The fate of Bankman-Fried is already sealed, having been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted on multiple felony charges related to FTX’s downfall. His story has been chronicled through various documentaries, interviews, and even a book by author Michael Lewis.
Meanwhile, Mashinsky’s own legal battles are heating up. He pleaded guilty to two felony charges in December 2024 and is awaiting sentencing. Authorities are pushing for a substantial 20-year sentence as a consequence of his actions leading to Celsius’s collapse.
As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, Everyone Is Lying To You For Money aims to shine a critical light on both the narratives that have misled so many and the individuals at the center of these tumultuous events.
