Alec Baldwin’s film Rust is set to have its long-awaited world premiere three years after the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on set. The Western drama will debut at the Camerimage International Film Festival, which runs from November 16 to November 23 in Toruń, Poland, festival organizers announced on October 3.
The premiere will serve as a tribute to Hutchins, who was fatally injured on the set in New Mexico in October 2021. During a rehearsal, she was struck by a live round discharged from a prop gun held by Baldwin. The incident also injured director Joel Souza.
In remembrance of Hutchins, festival organizers have planned a panel discussion following the film’s screening. This discussion will feature Souza, cinematographer Bianca Cline, and Stephen Lighthill, Hutchins’ mentor at the American Film Institute. The panel will delve into the events surrounding the film and provide insights into how production continued after Hutchins’ untimely death.
“Souza and company will discuss the unique visual style that Halyna developed on set and explain how Bianca Cline, who took over her work, managed to remarkably replicate Halyna’s style,” festival organizers stated.
Marek Zydowicz, the festival director, expressed the importance of honoring Hutchins’ legacy. “We knew that our event was important to her and that she felt at home among cinematographers from all over the world, who have been gathering at Camerimage for over 30 years,” he said. “During the festival, we honored Halyna’s memory with a moment of silence, and a panel of cinematographers discussed safety on set. Now, once again, together with cinematographers and film enthusiasts, we will have this special opportunity to remember her.”
The journey to this premiere has been marked by significant legal battles. In July, an involuntary manslaughter case against Baldwin, 66, was dismissed by First Judicial District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer in a Santa Fe, New Mexico, court. The judge ruled in favor of Baldwin’s defense, which argued that prosecutors had concealed evidence that could have been relevant to the shooting. Baldwin was visibly emotional as the judge delivered her verdict on July 12.
“There is no way for the court to right this wrong,” Judge Marlowe Sommer stated, according to NBC News. “The sanction of dismissal is the only warranted remedy.” The dismissal was issued with prejudice, meaning that the involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin cannot be brought forward again.
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Meanwhile, the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March. On September 30, she was denied a new trial.
As Rust prepares for its premiere, the film’s journey reflects both the complexities of filmmaking and the profound impact of Hutchins’ legacy. The event is anticipated not only as a screening but also as a moment of reflection on safety in the film industry and the importance of honoring those who have tragically lost their lives while pursuing their craft.
The Camerimage International Film Festival is renowned for celebrating the art of cinematography and brings together industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. The event has a rich history of showcasing films that prioritize visual storytelling, making Rust a fitting addition to its lineup.
As Baldwin and the film’s crew prepare for this momentous occasion, they carry with them the memory of Hutchins, a talented cinematographer whose contributions to the film industry will not be forgotten. Her influence will be felt not only during the film’s premiere but also in ongoing discussions about safety protocols on film sets.
