MOVIE NEWS – Lifetime still plans to release its latest film with Anne Heche next month, as the film is “important” to the actress.

Yesterday, American actress Anne Heche was taken off life support after suffering an extremely serious car accident a week and a half ago. The accident left her in a coma, and she was pronounced brain dead shortly afterwards; her organs were donated for transplant by her family. As doctors were fighting for Anne Heche’s life, Lifetime was busy talking about what to do with her latest film, Girl in Room 13.

According to Variety, Lifetime presented a panel on the film Thursday at the Television Critics Association press conference.

The network’s executive vice president and chief programming officer, Amy Winter, confirmed that the plan remains to release the film on its scheduled date. Since the idea of the film was to shed light on a sombre subject, Winter said that it was crucial for Anne Heche, along with the rest of the cast of Girl in Room 13, to have this film released.

“All of us here at Lifetime are deeply concerned for her and everyone affected. We hope that her friends and family stay strong during this difficult time. You know just as much as we do and we ask that you kindly refrain from inquiring about her health status. This project is important to Heche and along with each and every one of us. We all started to make a film that would bring attention to the appalling issue of human sex trafficking. We hope that this film moves you and that you are just as inspired as Anne was to help us with our mission to stop violence against women.”

Director Elisabeth Rohm was also on the panel and said Girl in Room 13 would debut on Lifetime in September. Rohm also praised Heche’s performance in the film.

“We’re all so dedicated to the cause, stopping violence against women and I again thank Lifetime’s so much for creating this platform. All of us, especially Larissa who played this victim, are committed to that cause. We talked about it – every single one of us – that this was our mission. And although [Anne] is deeply missed, right now, I will say the film is finished and she did a phenomenal performance – a tour de force much like Larissa.”

It is questionable whether the fact that the actress has been officially declared dead will change anything about Lifetime’s plans for the premiere. In any case, our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Anne Heche, a talented, dedicated actress who was always committed to tough subjects.

Source: Variety