Anne Heche’s final movie, Girl In Room 13, is still set to be released in September, weeks after her death.
The actress, best known for starring in movies such as Six Days and Seven Nights and Donnie Brasco, was declared brain dead on Friday August 12 after she suffered fatal injuries in a horrific car crash on August 5.
The network behind her final on-screen appearance, Lifetime, has since confirmed that it will continue to launch the movie in September as originally planned.
Director, Elisabeth Rohm praised Heche’s final performance as ‘phenomenal’ as she tackles the gritty role of a mother who’s daughter is abducted into human sex trafficking.
Elisabeth began: ‘We’re all so dedicated to the cause, stopping violence against women… all of us, especially Larissa [Dias] who played this victim, are committed to that cause.’
The director added that the cast had spoken about the importance of standing up against abuse, before praising Heche for her dedication to the role, as she remained in a coma.
‘Although [Heche] 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,’ she continued.
After Heche’s death, Elisabeth shared a tribute to the star and commended her for how ‘committed’ she was throughout her life to protect women and be ‘a voice against abuse.’
She told People: ‘Every single morning, [Heche] would come to set and she said, “We will not stand for abuse!” And she would pump her fist and have this just beautiful, bright smile.
‘She was so committed to making an incredibly deep, profound, important performance.’
Elisabeth also reflected on Heche’s personal life as she shared: ‘Anne was very open about the abuse she sustained in her childhood.
‘And I believe that she was committed her whole life to making an impact and protecting women and being a voice against abuse.’
In a statement, executive VP and Head of Programming at the network, Amy Winter also commended Heche for being part of an ‘important project’ that shines a light on the ‘appalling’ reality of human sex trafficking.
‘This project is important to 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,’ Amy said.
‘We hope that this film moves you and that you are just as inspired as Anne was to help us with our with our mission to stop violence against women.’
Heche was declared brain dead – legally dead in California – on Friday 12 August, but her heart continued beating while she remained on life support so her organs could be donated.
Her life support was turned off three days later on Monday 15 August.
The actress’ representatives delivered the news in a statement on Friday: ‘We have lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend.
‘Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy.
‘Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact.’
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