What you need to know
Rory Kennedy shares how her unique life experiences influence her work in a new documentary.
The documentary filmmaker, who is one of the 11 children of Ethel Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, spoke to PEOPLE at the DOC NYC Visionaries Tribute Luncheon in New York City on November 12 about her film The Trial of Alec Baldwin ahead of its world premiere on November 13.
After cinematographer Halina Hutchins was shot and killed on the set of The Last in 2021, and the film’s star Alec Baldwin was subsequently charged with criminal charges, Kennedy approached Baldwin about the possibility of making a film about his experience.
“I would say he was resistant at first,” Kennedy recalls. “And I said, ‘Sit down and think about it. If you’re interested, I’d love to talk more.'”
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Baldwin would later come up with the idea, but before he could begin, Kennedy laid out some conditions. She told the actor that in order to proceed, he had to agree to give her full editorial control and accept that he would not receive any financial compensation for his appearance.
“We had a deal and an understanding within a week. I continued on the journey with him and have continued to do so for the past three years,” she says.
Kennedy, whose father and uncle, President John F. Kennedy, were both assassinated, said her family’s history helped her understand how far-reaching tragedies can have an impact.
“I felt a deep sense of empathy for what the family was going through, and I felt there was room for exploration,” she explains. “This event affected everyone on that set and had a ripple effect on so many lives, so I think it’s important to be able to explore that.”
According to Variety, Kennedy began filming just before the manslaughter charges against Baldwin were dropped in 2023, and was also present when he was indicted a second time in 2024. These charges were ultimately dismissed.
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During their time together, Kennedy was able to capture a “very intimate portrait” of Baldwin, who she says shows a new side of herself in the film.
“I think he had extraordinary courage and bravery just to allow us to document him during this very turbulent time. I think people are going to see something in him and a side of him that they haven’t seen before.”
“This is a portrait,” she added. “But I think it also focuses on what happens when social media and other chatter trickles into the justice system and how that can become an injustice.”
Although the film centers on Baldwin, Kennedy says it also depicts all the “background” tragedies that occurred after the accident.
“This all comes against the backdrop of Halina’s terrible tragedy and loss. I guess I feel that in the world we live in today, there should be enough room to consider the multiple tragedies that can occur in situations like this,” she explains. “So I think this movie is about that exploration.”
The Trial of Alec Baldwin will premiere at the SVA Theater in New York City on November 13th as part of the DOC NYC Festival, running from November 12th to 20th.
