The movie Rust is set to premiere at a film festival next month, nearly three years after the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in a shooting incident on the film’s set.
The world premiere will be held on November 23 at the EnergaCAMERIMAGE Festival in Poland.
A panel discussion will follow the screening, featuring director Joel Souza—who was also injured during the incident—cinematographer Bianca Cline, and Stephen Lighthill, a mentor to Hutchins during her time in film school.
According to the screening’s announcement, “The filmmakers will discuss the events surrounding the film, offering insight into the continuation of production after Halyna’s death.
Preserving Hutchins’ artistic vision, despite the overwhelming challenges faced by the crew, was a priority for the filmmakers as they aimed to complete her work.”
Hutchins, aged 42, was fatally wounded by a live round discharged from a prop gun held by actor and producer Alec Baldwin.
Baldwin, who faced charges of involuntary manslaughter and pleaded not guilty, had his case dismissed with prejudice in July due to withheld evidence by prosecutors.
Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer responsible for the firearms on set, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March and is currently serving an 18-month sentence.
Rust tells the story of “a 13-year-old boy who, after the death of his parents in 1880s Wyoming, is left to care for his younger brother.
He goes on the run with his estranged grandfather after being sentenced to hang for accidentally killing a local rancher,” according to the film’s synopsis.
Hutchins’ widower, Matthew Hutchins, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and other parties involved in the film’s production. The suit was settled last year for an undisclosed amount.
As part of the settlement, Matthew Hutchins was set to serve as an executive producer on Rust when filming resumed. The couple had a young son.
Festival organizers highlighted that Hutchins’ story will serve as a starting point for a discussion on the role of women in cinematography and their contributions to filmmaking. Another key topic will be the importance of safety on film sets.
