Mother of cinematographer killed on set of Alec Baldwin film refuses to attend premiere of “Rust” three years later | Entertainment & Arts News
Alec Baldwin’s Western film Rust has made its debut at a festival in Poland, marking three years since the tragic shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on set.
The film premiered at the Camerimage Festival in Poland, an event that celebrates achievements in cinematography. The screening was attended by a modest audience of a few hundred, a departure from the usual glitz and glamour of Hollywood premieres.
Director Joel Souza, who was injured in the shooting incident, expressed his hope that the completed film would serve as a tribute to Ms. Hutchins. She tragically lost her life after a prop gun held by Baldwin discharged during filming in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in October 2021.
Rust director Joel Souza attended the film’s premiere in Poland. Pic: Reuters
Baldwin faced charges of involuntary manslaughter and stood trial in July, but the case was unexpectedly dismissed due to allegations of withheld ammunition evidence by the prosecution.
Baldwin was not present at the premiere in Poland.
Before the screening, Souza reflected on the difficult decision to continue with the film after the tragedy, emphasizing the importance of showcasing Hutchins’s final work to honor her memory. He mentioned that the church scene where the accident occurred had been removed from the film as a mark of respect.
Cinematographer’s mother criticizes Baldwin
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Pic: Swen Studios/Handout via Reuters
Bianca Cline, the cinematographer who completed the film, was also present at the event. However, Ms. Hutchins’s mother, Olga Solovey, who has filed a lawsuit against Baldwin, criticized the actor for allegedly profiting from the tragedy.
In a statement issued by her lawyer, Gloria Allred, Ms. Solovey expressed her disappointment at being unable to witness her daughter’s work on screen and denounced Baldwin’s lack of apology and refusal to take responsibility for the incident.
She expressed her belief that there has been no justice for her daughter.
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Hannah Gutierrez, Rust’s armorer who was responsible for weapons on set, was sentenced to 18 months in prison earlier this year for involuntary manslaughter in a separate trial from Baldwin’s. She is currently appealing the sentence.
Rust tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who embarks on a journey with his estranged grandfather in 1880s Wyoming after being accused of accidentally killing a local rancher following the death of his parents.
Reports indicate that the ticketing website for the Polish festival crashed due to overwhelming demand for tickets to the world premiere.
