Michelle Trachtenberg Planned to Appear at Benefit Screening Before Death

Michelle Trachtenberg's death shocked many in the film industry ... and, clearly she wasn't expecting it either -- 'cause she had plans for a major appearance in the coming weeks.

Jennifer Hutchins -- a producer on the film "Spyral," Michelle's final credit -- tells TMZ ... Trachtenberg was supposed to appear at a private benefit screening of the movie in Austin during SXSW on March 12 to support mental health nonprofits.

Hutchins says the "Spyral" team knew she was struggling with health issues ... but, if she was well enough, she planned to attend either in person or via Zoom.

Trachtenberg -- who reads excerpts from the diary of Michelle Cody White, filmmaker Randall White's wife who suffered from undiagnosed bipolar depression before her death -- performed the voice work back in 2021 ... though the doc didn't premiere until last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The producers of the movie are still trying to reach a public distribution deal so they can release the flick wide ... and, raising money for a good cause along the way with benefits like this.

We're told the March 12 event will go forward as planned -- but, the team will also work to honor Michelle's legacy. The event will feature a private viewing of the film, guest speakers, and live entertainment to raise awareness and funds for mental health resources, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

As you know .... Michelle's mother found her unresponsive in her New York City apartment Wednesday -- and, first responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

Trachtenberg had a liver transplant in the months before her death ... though it's unclear if that played a part in her passing. Her family has declined to have an autopsy performed.

Hutchins remembers Trachtenberg as "one of the sweetest, most gentle human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. I could tell she cared deeply about people and using her voice for the greater good." She adds Michelle's performance in "Spyral" was so powerful it brought people working on the film to tears. Trachtenberg was 39.