Alec Baldwin’s film Rust is set to make its world premiere next month at the EnergaCAMERIMAGE International Cinematography Film Festival in Poland, three years after the tragic on-set accident that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The film will be screened in the city of Toru?, and a special panel will be held to honor Hutchins’ life, led by director Joel Souza, who was also injured during the incident. Cinematographer Bianca Cline, who finished the film after Hutchins’ death, and Stephen Lighthill, one of Hutchins’ mentors, will also participate in the panel.
Despite the film’s completion, Baldwin will reportedly not attend the premiere, and it remains uncertain whether the rest of the cast, including Travis Fimmel, Frances Fisher, and Josh Hopkins, will make an appearance. Production on Rust resumed after Hutchins’ death, with Baldwin and the team moving forward despite significant legal challenges. Baldwin faced manslaughter charges, which were eventually dropped when prosecutors withheld key evidence, but the incident continues to cast a shadow over the film.
Meanwhile, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on Rust, is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter for her role in Hutchins’ death. The tragic incident remains a somber moment in Hollywood’s history, with Rust becoming a symbol of the dangers present in film production.
The decision to premiere Rust at the festival brings mixed emotions, as it is both a chance for the film to be seen and a reminder of the tragic circumstances that surrounded its making. The screening and panel aim to honor Hutchins’ legacy, while the film industry continues to grapple with the incident’s impact.
