Photo: Ryan Plummer/A+E Networks/Lifetime
Anne Hechetakes one of her final bows this weekend in Lifetime’sGirl in Room 13.
After the late actressdied at age 53last month, directorElisabeth Röhmtells PEOPLE she and Heche “were really proud of what we did,” shedding light on human trafficking with the film, which premieres Saturday.
“It was a really positive experience working with her,” says Röhm, 49. “These Lifetime movies move very quickly and they’re a tough schedule, but she worked really, really hard, and she always brought her A-game, always elevated the other actors, was so generous to all the other actors.”
“She was just a total pleasure,a hero for the film. She became a good friend and did a phenomenal job. Her performance is a tour de force, and it was really a privilege to direct her,” adds Röhm.
Along with Dias, 29, Heche and Röhm participated in aPSAfor a partnership between Lifetime, thePolaris Projectand theNational Human Trafficking Hotline. “What we really shared was a passion for the topic we were gonna tackle,” she adds.
“Every single day we showed up to the project with a commitment to stop violence against women and to tell a tale that was dark and horrible, but with a fighting spirit and perseverance,” says Röhm.
Ryan Plummer/A+E Networks/Lifetime
Hechediedlast month after she spenta week in a comafollowing afiery car crashinto a Los Angeles home. Her family has sincelaid her to restat Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Röhm admits the reality of Heche’s death is “very fresh, so we’re all missing her and very shocked and devastated.”
She continues, “I hope people celebrate her beautiful work and legacy. This film is a testament to her incredible passion for art and for humanity and for women and to create a mission, a movement, and to make a real difference in the world. So I couldn’t speak more highly of her.”
RELATED VIDEO: Anne Heche, Star ofAnother WorldandMen in Trees, Dies at 53
In addition to her upcoming movieWhat Remains, Heche also has a second memoir coming out posthumously. Available Jan. 24,Call Me Annewill be her follow-up to 2001’sCall Me Crazy.
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Girl in Room 13premieres Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
source: people.com
