'Rust' Scheduled for Premiere at Polish Film Festival Next Month
The film "Rust" is set to make its debut at a festival next month, marking three years since the tragic demise of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in a set incident. The world premiere is scheduled for November 23 at the EnergaCAMERIMAGE Festival in Poland. A panel discussion will feature the film's director Joel Souza, who also sustained injuries during the incident, cinematographer Bianca Cline, and Stephen Lighthill, Hutchins' mentor from her film school days.
The panel will delve into the circumstances surrounding the film and the challenges faced in continuing production after Hutchins' passing. Upholding Hutchins' artistic vision proved to be a formidable task for the crew, yet it was a crucial endeavor to honor her legacy and complete her work.
Hutchins, aged 42, lost her life to a live round fired from a prop gun wielded by actor and producer Alec Baldwin. Baldwin faced charges of involuntary manslaughter and pleaded not guilty, but the case was dismissed with prejudice in July due to prosecutorial evidence withholding. Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer responsible for firearms on set, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March and is currently serving an 18-month sentence.
The narrative of "Rust" follows a 13-year-old boy who, after the death of his parents in 1880s Wyoming, must survive with his younger brother. The boy runs away with his estranged grandfather when he faces execution for accidentally killing a local rancher. Despite the film's premiere, Baldwin will not attend, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. CNN has sought comments from Baldwin's representatives.
Hutchins' widower pursued a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and others involved in the film's production, which concluded in an undisclosed settlement last year. Part of this settlement included Matthew Hutchins, Halyna's husband, becoming an executive producer when filming resumed. They shared a young son.
Festival organizers emphasize that Halyna's story will ignite discussions on women's roles in cinematography and their contributions to filmmaking. A focal point of the event will also be set safety.
