Alec Baldwin shooting: ‘Rust’ has world premiere

Alec Baldwin’s film “Rust” made its world premiere at the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography Camerimage in Torun, Poland, with a heartfelt dedication to the late cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins. The film, which tells the story of a 13-year-old boy on the run with his estranged grandfather after a tragic accident, opened to a full house at the festival.

The event began with a minute of silence in honor of Hutchins, who tragically lost her life on the set of the film three years ago. Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer of “Rust,” was involved in the accident that claimed her life, causing a wave of grief and controversy in the film industry.

Director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the incident, introduced the film at the festival, revealing the emotional journey of deciding to continue with the production after the tragedy. With support from Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, who became an executive producer on the project, the film was completed as a tribute to her final work.

Bianca Cline, the cinematographer who finished the film, spoke about the importance of honoring Hutchins’ vision and incorporating her style into the final product. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the film, the team behind “Rust” remained dedicated to preserving Hutchins’ legacy.

However, not everyone was supportive of the film’s premiere. Hutchins’ mother, Olga Solovey, who is suing Baldwin and the production, chose not to attend the event, criticizing Baldwin for profiting from her daughter’s death and refusing to take responsibility for the tragedy.

The legal aftermath of the shooting saw the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, sentenced to 18 months in jail for involuntary manslaughter. The judge found her negligence in handling firearms on set to be a serious offense, emphasizing the importance of following gun safety protocols.

Despite the controversies and legal battles, the premiere of “Rust” at the Camerimage festival marked a bittersweet moment for the cast and crew, who worked tirelessly to bring the film to the screen. The festival, which has already seen its share of controversies, continues to celebrate the art of cinematography while paying tribute to the talented individuals, like Halyna Hutchins, who have contributed to the industry.