A new documentary titled "The Trial of Alec Baldwin," directed by Rory Kennedy, has been acquired by distributor Abramorama for a North American release and awards campaign, The Hollywood Reporter revealed exclusively. The verité film, made with exclusive access to Baldwin, follows the actor in the aftermath of the fatal 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust," and includes footage from the set, Baldwin's police interrogation and subsequent legal proceedings. Kennedy, an Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning filmmaker, spent years documenting Baldwin, aiming to explore broader questions of blame, justice and public perception rather than simply revisit the tragedy itself.

The documentary will open in New York on 1 October at Village East by Angelika, before premiering in Los Angeles on 15 October at the Laemmle Monica, followed by an Oscar-qualifying run at the Laemmle Noho 7 and a wider theatrical expansion. Hutchins, 42, was killed when a prop gun handed to Baldwin discharged on set; while the incident was initially widely regarded as a tragic accident, subsequent debate over responsibility and punishment became entangled with Baldwin's polarising public image. Abramorama's Karol Martesko-Fenster said the film "doesn't shy away from complexity or discomfort," while Kennedy and producing partner Mark Bailey described it as an important examination of the state of the judicial system.