TORUN, Poland — Baldwin’s Western film “Rust” debuted at a modest Polish film festival on Wednesday, three years after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins tragically lost her life when Baldwin inadvertently pointed a gun at her, marking Hollywood’s first on-set fatal incident in almost three decades.

Director Joel Souza, who was himself injured in the incident, expressed to Reuters his relief at having finished the film and shared it with audiences, which he viewed as a tribute to the 42-year-old Ukrainian cinematographer.

The premiere took place in the historic city of Torun at the Camerimage festival, a specialized event that celebrates cinematography, drawing an audience of several hundred, far removed from the usual glitz and glamour of Hollywood premieres.

“I’m thrilled that people will finally see Halyna’s work. I hope they truly appreciate it,” Souza stated. “It was a tough decision to proceed, but it became crucial for me and her husband that audiences witness her final piece of art.”

The gun used by Baldwin accidentally discharged a live round that was improperly loaded by the film’s head armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, on the set near Santa Fe, New Mexico, in October 2021. Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in March and is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence, with her appeal denied in September.

Baldwin was also put on trial but had involuntary manslaughter charges against him dropped in July when a New Mexico judge agreed with his defense team that prosecutors and law enforcement did not provide evidence regarding the live round that caused Hutchins’ death.

Souza expressed a desire for the film’s audience to discover more about Hutchins beyond the circumstances of her death and to experience “the world through her perspective.”

“One of the wonderful aspects of films is that they allow viewers to see the world as the creators intended,” he remarked. “The cinematography is breathtaking, and I hope it receives the appreciation it deserves.”

‘Rust’ director reveals removal of church scene following Hutchins’ death

In a 2021 TV interview, Baldwin claimed he was assured the gun was unloaded and that Hutchins instructed him to aim it at the camera and cock it. He stated the gun discharged unexpectedly when he released the hammer, without pulling the trigger.

Souza acknowledged that it would be nearly impossible for audiences to watch the film without reflecting on Hutchins’ tragic death.

“That’s essentially how people became aware of the movie,” he pointed out. “However, I hope that regardless of the reasons people are drawn to it—whether out of intrigue, a love for Westerns, or any other motivation—they can find something worthwhile or appreciate her contributions.”

He also mentioned a church scene that they were developing at the time of Hutchins’ death is omitted from the film. “We were never going to finish that,” he clarified. “I altered the script and removed it completely.”

Audience member Nathan Kiremidjian commended the film after its premiere, admitting, though, that “during shootouts, there was an undeniable sense of tension. It’s an inescapable feeling.”

Joel Souza refers to Halyna Hutchins as the ‘guiding light’ of ‘Rust’

Completing the film after Hutchins’ death was incredibly challenging for the cast and crew, Souza noted, but they shared a common goal of honoring her memory.

“I was an emotional wreck, which isn’t my usual demeanor on set. But I was overwhelmed, and the crew helped keep me grounded,” he shared. “They constantly reminded me to focus on the task and remember Halyna. ‘Remember Halyna, she is our guiding light,’ was our mantra.”

Souza felt the Camerimage festival was a fitting venue to pay tribute, starting the screening with a moment of silence.

“This festival meant a lot to her, as it does for all cinematographers,” he remarked. “We aimed to preserve her work and display it, allowing people to recognize her exceptional talent, which I think is a meaningful tribute to her.”

When asked if he believed justice had been served in relation to the legal proceedings surrounding the film, Souza replied: “I can’t let that kind of thought consume my mind. I need to move forward.”