Three years after the tragic on-set death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, Alec Baldwin’s Western movie Rust is finally making its way to audiences.
Story Summary:
- The ticket demand for Alec Baldwin’s film Rust caused a system crash ahead of its world premiere at the EnergaCAMERIMAGE Film Festival in Poland.
- The premiere has drawn attention due to its association with the tragic on-set death of Halyna Hutchins, sparking mixed reactions in the film industry.
- A South African release date for the controversial Western remains unconfirmed.
Tickets for ‘Rust’ movie premiere are flying like bullets
The much-anticipated world premiere is set for the EnergaCAMERIMAGE Film Festival in Poland, and ticket demand has been so overwhelming that it temporarily crashed the festival’s website on Tuesday morning.
Eager fans flooded the ticketing portal early in the day, only to encounter an “Error 500” message due to the sheer volume of users attempting to secure seats.
By 08:35 EST (15:35 SAST), some lucky festival-goers managed to grab tickets before the system stabilised.
The premiere will feature a single screening, coupled with a panel discussion including director Joel Souza—who was injured during the infamous on-set shooting incident—cinematographer Bianca Cline, and Stephen Lighthill, Hutchins’ mentor from her American Film Institute days.
The film, completed following a wrongful death lawsuit, has reignited debates in the industry.
Critics argue that showcasing Rust at Camerimage is insensitive given the circumstances of its creation, but festival organisers insist the screening is a tribute to Hutchins’ artistry and her dream of seeing her work celebrated at the prestigious event.
When will ‘Rust’ premiere in South Africa?
As Rust makes its world debut, South African fans eager to watch the film remain in the dark about a local release.
No official date has been announced for a premiere in the country, leaving cinephiles and critics alike to speculate on when the controversial Western will reach African shores.
The screening at Camerimage marks a pivotal moment for Rust, yet it’s clear the film carries an emotional weight beyond its artistic merits. Hutchins’ death on set in 2021 during the handling of a prop gun has left an indelible mark on the industry, making the film’s release both a celebration of her legacy and a point of contention.
