The Western film “Rust” will have its world premiere at the EnergaCAMERIMAGE film festival in Poland this November, almost three years after the fatal on-set shooting that halted production.
The annual festival in Toruń will screen “Rust” on November 16th. Following the film, key members of the production team will participate in a panel discussion about completing the movie. Director Joel Souza and cinematographer Bianca Cline, who finished the film after Halyna Hutchins’ death, will speak. Hutchins’ mentor from the American Film Institute, Stephen Lighthill, will also join.
Festival director Marek Zydowicz said showing “Rust” honors Hutchins’ career. Hutchins, 42, was the head cinematographer until she was accidentally shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin on set in October 2021. Souza was also injured in the incident.
Production shut down after the tragedy. It restarted in April 2023, which Baldwin called “nothing less than a miracle.” The film tells the story of a 13-year-old boy and his grandfather in 1880s Wyoming.
The panel will discuss the challenges of finishing “Rust” and upholding Hutchins’ vision. It aims to remember Hutchins while showing her completed work. The event continues discussions on set safety that began after Hutchins’ death.
The legal process from the shooting continues. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is serving 18 months for involuntary manslaughter. Charges against Baldwin were dismissed in July but may be refiled. The premiere carries significance as CAMERIMAGE previously honored Hutchins’ memory after her death.
