The Alec Baldwin-led Western, Rust, has now been given a world premiere release date almost three years after the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Hutchins was killed while filming the movie after a prop gun was fired by Baldwin during the preparation of a scene. Rust director Joel Souza was also wounded in the incident. Now, following manslaughter charges, court cases, dismissals, and guilty verdicts, Rust will debut at the EnergaCamerimage international cinematography film festival in Toruń, Poland.
As well as debuting the movie, the event will also include a panel featuring appearances from director Joel Souza, cinematographer Bianca Cline, who completed the movie after Hutchins’ death, and Hutchins’ AFI film school mentor Stephen Lighthill. Camerimage have released a statement regarding the movie being picked up for the festival, declaring the importance of maintaining “Hutchins’ artistic vision” and revealing that the panel will discuss “events surrounding the film,” “the role of women in cinematography,” and safety on film sets.
“In the panel, following the screening of Rust, the filmmakers will discuss events surrounding the film, offering insight into continuing production after Halyna’s death. Maintaining Hutchins’ artistic vision, as tremendously challenging as it was for the entire crew, was really important to the filmmakers, hoping to fulfil their duty to complete her work.
During the panel, they 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. Thanks to Cline’s skill, the cinematography remains consistent throughout the film.
The discussion will also touch on important issues in the film industry. Halyna’s story will serve as a starting point for a conversation about the role of women in cinematography and their contributions to the art of filmmaking. Another key topic of the discussion will be safety on set.”
The Debut of Rust Is a ‘Special Opportunity To Remember’ Halyna Hutchins
Directed by Joel Souza and starring Alec Baldwin, Travis Fimmel, Brady Noon, Frances Fisher, Jensen Ackles, and Devon Werkheiser, Rust is set in 1880s Wyoming and follows a 13-year-old boy who, after being left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents, finds himself on the run with his long-estranged grandfather (Baldwin) after he’s sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher.
Festival director Marek Zydowicz heaped praise on Hutchins in a statement, calling the debut of Rust a “special opportunity to remember her.”
“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. During the festival, we honoured 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.”
EnergaCAMERIMAGE 2024 will take place from November 16 to November 23.