Alec Baldwin’s ‘Rust’ Faces Backlash Ahead Of Camerimage Premiere

It’s unclear if it’s the “Rust” star. alec baldwin is scheduled to attend the film’s premiere, but that hasn’t stopped the backlash against the Camerimage Film Festival.

Festival organizers have expressed their desire to hold a panel discussion in memory of the cinematographer who passed away after the film’s first screening. Halina Hutchins Discuss film safety standards.

However, some industry insiders believe it would have been more appropriate to screen Hutchins’ earlier films rather than the one that took her life.

On October 21, 2021, a gun held by actor Alec Baldwin went off, killing cinematographer Halina Hutchins and the hospitalized director. Joel Souza. Baldwin was charged with manslaughter for his role in the shooting, but the case was thrown out in July after a judge ruled that prosecutors knew about evidence that was not turned over to the defense. This is a violation of the Brady Rule. She determined that the only appropriate remedy was to drop the criminal charges against the actor altogether.

On the other hand, the armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed He was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to up to 18 months in state prison. In September, her lawyers fought for her release, seeking to have her get a new trial based on new evidence presented at Baldwin’s trial. However, his request was refused.

Halina Hutchins has been a regular at the event in the past, but her friends don’t want her final film to be shown there. Especially when it’s unclear how much of her work will actually be included in the final film. The church scene that was being rehearsed at the time of her death was ultimately cut from the film. After filming, filming moved from New Mexico to Montana, where cinematographer Bianca Klein was brought on board to complete the project.

Festival organizers announced the screening on Instagram with the following caption:

“Almost three years after the tragic death of Ukrainian cinematographer Halina Hutchins, who was part of our festival family, Camerimage is honoring her memory and reminding the world of her legacy. This year’s Energa Camera Image Festival will feature the premiere of the film Rust, followed by director Joel Souza, cinematographer Bianca Klein and Halina’s beloved film school. There will be a unique panel discussion with AFI leader Stephen Lighthill.”

Many in the industry don’t seem to approve of the decision to screen Hutchins’ final film as a tribute to his legacy. Sheriff Rachel Morrison, who starred in Oscar-nominated Black Panther, said: “I’m all for memorializing Halina and her beautiful work, but I’m not happy about showing and promoting the movie that killed her.” I don’t agree,” he posted in the comments.

As of this writing, this comment has garnered around 350 likes from industry insiders, including “ordinary” DoP Susie Lovell. “Promoting a film that was shot in a dangerous manner, which led to the death of the cinematographer.” Please reconsider. ”

Another user ventured to say that it was Halina Hutchins’ family who wanted “Rust” to be screened in honor of the late cinematographer. “Apparently her family wants this screening to take place. It was her dream to have a movie screening at Camerimage,” one user shared. “Her mentor, the former ASC president, is also a member of the committee. I think the great people are fine with this.”

Melina Spadone, attorney for Rust Movie Productions, sent a statement to: deadline Following initial reports announcing that the film would be screened at festivals this November.

“Last Movie Productions is honored that our film will have its world premiere at this November’s Energa Camera Image Festival, the perfect setting to honor Halina Hutchins and her extraordinary talent. and vision is embedded in every frame of the film,” Spadon said in a statement. And we are grateful for the opportunity to showcase her work and allow audiences to experience the beauty and creativity she captures through her lens. ”

Camerimage organizers also released their own statement regarding the controversial release of Rust at the festival.

“The filmmakers will discuss the events surrounding the film and provide insight into continuing production after Halina’s death,” Camerimage organizers said in a statement. “Maintaining Hutchins’ artistic vision was extremely difficult for the entire staff, but extremely important to the filmmakers, who wanted to fulfill their obligation to complete her work. .”

“Ms. Halina’s story is a starting point for a conversation about the role of women in cinematography and their contribution to the art of filmmaking,” Camelimage organizers said in a separate statement, adding, “Ms. “One important theme is vehicle safety.” set. “

Poland’s Camerimage International Film Festival will be held from November 16th to November 23rd in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Torun, Poland. The full festival lineup will be announced in early November.