‘Rust’ Pays Tribute to Late Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in Closing Credits

The closing credits of Alec Baldwin‘s Western film “Rust” begin with the words “for Halyna,” a tribute to cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died following a gun accident while filming the movie on location in New Mexico in October 2021.

This is followed by a quote — “What can we do to make this better?” — which is attributed to Hutchins.

Her director of photography credit then reads “Halyna Hutchins, ASC.” That distinction is only used by members invited to join honorary society American Society of Cinematographers, to which Hutchins was named posthumously. At the time of the accident, she was considered an up-and-coming talent, with credits including 2020’s “Archenemy” and “Blindfire.”

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“Rust” had its premiere on Wednesday at the EnergaCamerimage international cinematography film festival in Toruń, Poland. The screening was preceded by a short introduction by director Joel Souza, who was injured in the accident; and cinematographer Bianca Cline, who completed the movie (and has a “cinematography by” credit in the film.)

At Camerimage, Souza told Variety why the quote “What can we do to make this better?” was included in the credits. “It’s something she said all the time,” he explained, adding that “it took on such a deeper meaning afterward. And it’s like, I can just apply that to life, you know? And if people did apply that to life, the world might be a much better place, frankly.

“And it’s not something that she said because of that — she was talking about the frame — but she did live her life like that. She was kind to people and treated people well, and wanted to be helpful to people, and I think it’s a fitting legacy for her, that quote.”

Producer and star Alec Baldwin — who was handling the prop gun at the time of the accident — was not invited to attend the festival, according to an event spokesperson. Baldwin was charged with manslaughter but the case was dismissed on the grounds that the prosecution had failed to turn over evidence.

“Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who is serving an 18-month sentence for Hutchins’ death, wasn’t included in the film’s credits.

Halyna’s husband, Matthew Hutchins, has a card in the credits as an executive producer, a title he received as part of a settlement agreement.

The decision to show the movie at Camerimage was a controversial one. Those who disapproved generally felt it shouldn’t have been finished, and viewed the screening as inappropriate.

Festival director Marek Żydowicz responded with a statement, which in part read, “The sole purpose of this screening is to honor Halyna’s work, talent and artistic achievements.”

Hutchins’ mother, Olga Solovey, who is suing the production and actor Alec Baldwin, didn’t attend. A statement was issued by her lawyer, Gloria Allred, on Tuesday.