Despite the controversy surrounding the film's production, festival organizers emphasized that the premiere honors Hutchins' legacy and aligns with her wishes for her work to be showcased.

The film 'Rust' premiered at the Camerimage Festival in Poland, drawing attention due to the tragic shooting incident involving Halyna Hutchins, who was killed during a rehearsal when a gun discharged.

Cinematographer Bianca Cline, who took over the project after Hutchins' death, relied heavily on Hutchins' notes to maintain the film's artistic vision.

The film has secured international distribution but is still seeking a U.S. distributor, with its financial future uncertain due to its tragic history.

While the festival has faced its own controversies, including protests over comments made by its founder regarding female cinematographers, the focus remained on celebrating Hutchins' contributions to cinema.

During the screening, the audience showed their support by applauding through the closing credits, which included a dedication to Hutchins.

Olga Solovey, Hutchins' mother, did not attend the premiere, although she had previously given her blessing for the film's completion.

The festival, known for its focus on cinematography, featured a modest audience of a few hundred, contrasting sharply with typical Hollywood premieres.

Souza, who was also injured in the incident, expressed the importance of preserving Hutchins' work and advocated for the need for armorers on set, even when using digital weaponry.

The production faced numerous challenges, including digital effects to replace cast members and ensure continuity, as well as the emotional toll on the crew returning to the set.

Rachel Mason, a close friend of Hutchins, introduced the film and highlighted the emotional challenges faced by the crew in completing the project.

The film concludes with a tribute to Hutchins, featuring the message 'For Halyna' during the credits, reinforcing the film's connection to her legacy.