A poignant tribute: “Rust” to premiere at Camerimage festival
Honoring a legacy through cinema
Nearly three years after the tragic and accidental death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Alec Baldwin’s Western film Rust, the movie is set to make its world premiere next month at the EnergaCamerimage International Cinematography Film Festival in Toruń, Poland.
A panel of reflection and remembrance
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the October 2021 incident in New Mexico. Joining him will be cinematographer Bianca Cline, who completed the film, and Stephen Lighthill, Hutchins’ mentor from the AFI film school. This panel will delve into the events surrounding the film’s completion, on-set safety protocols, and the significant role of women in cinematography.
The story of “Rust”
Rust narrates the tale of a 13-year-old boy in 1880s Wyoming, who, after the death of his parents, must care for his younger brother. The plot thickens as he goes on the run with his estranged grandfather after being sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher. The filmmakers were committed to maintaining Hutchins’ artistic vision, a challenging task that was crucial to the entire crew. Thanks to Cline’s expertise, the cinematography remains consistent throughout the film, preserving Hutchins’ legacy.
A festival’s tribute
Festival director Marek Zydowicz expressed deep respect for Hutchins, noting that Camerimage was a significant event for 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,” he said. During the 2021 edition of Camerimage, just weeks after the accident, the festival honored Hutchins’ memory with a moment of silence and a panel discussion on set safety. This year, the festival will once again provide a platform to remember her contributions to the field.
Hutchins’ enduring impact
Halyna Hutchins was a rising star in cinematography, with notable credits including 2020’s “Archenemy,” 2020’s “Blindfire,” and 2019’s “Darlin’.” Her work earned her posthumous honorary membership in the American Society of Cinematographers. Additionally, the AFI established the Halyna Hutchins Memorial Scholarship Fund to support aspiring cinematographers.
Legal aftermath and ongoing discussions
In the wake of Hutchins’ death, Alec Baldwin, who was handling the prop gun at the time of the accident, faced manslaughter charges. However, the case was dismissed due to the prosecution’s failure to turn over evidence. Following this decision, the defense for “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who is serving an 18-month sentence for Hutchins’ death, requested a new trial. On Monday, a judge denied the request, ruling that the withheld evidence would not have altered the trial’s outcome.
Reflecting on safety and the future
The tragic incident on the set of Rust has sparked widespread discussions about on-set safety and the protocols that need to be in place to prevent such accidents. The panel at Camerimage will likely address these issues, providing insights and reflections from industry professionals.
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