Rory Kennedy Draws on Family Background to Direct Documentary on Alec Baldwin
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Rory Kennedy, acclaimed documentary filmmaker and one of Ethel Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s 11 children, has revealed how her personal upbringing has influenced her work on her latest project. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the DOC NYC Visionaries Tribute Luncheon on Nov. 12 in New York City, Kennedy discussed her upcoming film, “The Trial of Alec Baldwin,” set to premiere on Nov. 13 at the DOC NYC documentary film festival.
The film delves into the aftermath of the tragic accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust in 2021, which resulted in criminal charges against actor Alec Baldwin, the star of the film. Kennedy shared that she initially approached Baldwin with the idea for the documentary, but he was hesitant at first. With time, Baldwin agreed to participate under the condition that Kennedy would have full editorial control and that he would not receive any financial compensation for his involvement.
Kennedy, who has faced personal tragedies with the assassinations of her father and uncle, President John F. Kennedy, expressed how her family history has given her a unique perspective on dealing with far-reaching impacts of such incidents. She stated, “I felt like I did have a depth of relatability in terms of what the family had gone through, and I also felt like there would be space to explore.”
According to Kennedy, filming began just before the initial manslaughter charges against Baldwin were dropped in 2023, and she continued to document his journey through a second indictment in 2024, which was also later dismissed. Through her time spent with Baldwin, Kennedy was able to capture a side of the actor that viewers have not seen before, showcasing his bravery and resilience during a tumultuous period.
In discussing the film, Kennedy highlighted that while it focuses on Baldwin, it also examines the broader implications of the tragedy that unfolded on the film set. She emphasised the importance of exploring multiple facets of such incidents, especially in the context of how social media and public discourse can influence legal proceedings and perceptions of justice.
“The Trial of Alec Baldwin” offers a character study of the actor amidst a backdrop of a devastating loss, aiming to provide a nuanced insight into the complexities of dealing with tragedy and its aftermath. Kennedy hopes that the documentary will encourage audiences to consider the various dimensions of such events and the lasting impact they have on those involved.
The documentary is set to premiere on Nov. 13 at the SVA Theatre in New York City as part of the DOC NYC festival, running from Nov. 12–20. Kennedy’s meticulous approach to storytelling and her ability to capture the human side of high-profile events make “The Trial of Alec Baldwin” a compelling exploration of resilience, accountability, and the price of fame.
As Kennedy continues to pave the way in the world of documentary filmmaking, her latest work promises to spark conversations about the complexities of navigating tragedy and public scrutiny in today’s media landscape. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human experience, Kennedy’s film is poised to resonate with viewers and shed light on the challenges faced by individuals in the spotlight.