When the news broke in October of 2021 that a fatality had occurred on the set of a film, there were more questions than answers. What happened? Who was killed? Who was holding the gun? Over a year later and there are still a number of questions left unanswered. One of them we tragically know the answer to; the life lost was that of cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins. She primarily worked on short films and independent projects before landing the job on “Rust.”
A new documentary about her life aims to make sure this is not the last people will hear of Hutchins. Nor will it allow her death to be that which she’s most remembered for.
Halyna Hutchins was born in the Ukranian SSR in 1979. Her path to becoming a cinematographer is already unique just based on that alone. Breaking into Hollywood is something easily dreamed of but not so much accomplished. Growing up on a naval base in the former Soviet Socialist Republic certainly isn’t going to help one’s chances of making that dream happen, but somehow, Hutchins managed to do it.
The documentary, produced by Story Syndicate, has the blessings of Halyna’s husband, Matt Hutchins, to tell her tale. Story Syndicate has previously worked on projects including “Fauci,” “The Innocence Project,” and the documentary series “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.” Performance artist and filmmaker Rachel Mason is slated to direct. There currently is no title or expected release date for the project. The latter of these is just as well since part of the documentary’s aim is to examine the impact Hutchins’ death had on the film and those involved in it.
Remarkably, despite multiple lawsuits having been filed, (including a negligence suit FROM Alec Baldwin), production on the film is going to continue. What the finished project will be like is anyone’s guess. It’s distinctly possible that if “Rust” doesn’t serve as a fitting tribute to Halyna’s last work, the documentary about her will.
The documentary is being granted access to her personal archives in order to showcase her talent, as well as her journey through life and work. No one should have to be remembered or noticed just for the manner in which they died. Here’s hoping that this upcoming project will give Halyna the chance to shine like she’d worked to do.
