Alan Rickman at Friday's launch of the Minghella movie marathon. Pictures by Laura Holme.
SLIDESHOW
SUPERSTARS of the stage and screen mingled with Isle of Wight residents yesterday (Friday) at the launch of a marathon three-day film festival honouring the work of celebrated film director Anthony Minghella.Alan Rickman, star of the smash hit Harry Potter movies and close friend of Mr Minghella, chatted with crowds and signed autographs for excited youngsters before attending a gala screening of Truly Madly Deeply, the film that launched Mr Minghella’s illustrious career, at the star-studded event at Cineworld in Newport.
Screen superstar Jude Law was in the town today (Saturday) for a sell-out discussion session before introducing The Talented Mr Ripley.
A gala screening of Mr Minghella's multi-oscar winning film, The English Patient, was also set to be held tonight, featuring a guest appearance by Inspector Morse star Kevin Whately.
Other stars at Friday’s glittering event were acclaimed director Lord David Puttnam and Michael Maloney, Shakespearean actor and co-star of Truly Madly Deeply.
The gala is being held to commemorate the life and work of Mr Minghella, who died last year.
Mr Rickman joked of his time on Truly Madly Deeply: "I have said this before. Anthony’s first words to the cast of Truly Madly Deeply were ‘help!'"
He added: "You measure out your life by people like Anthony Minghella. Then you honour them by whatever you are asked to do."
Lord Puttnam said: "This is a fantastic first event which allows me to realise that he has not been forgotten. This is all about someone who was really rather special."
The gala closes on Sunday when The Office star Martin Freeman introduces Breaking and Entering.
The weekend programme:
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
Cineworld
Hosted by Gioia Minghella with Alan Rickman and Michael Maloney.
6.30pm drinks reception, 8pm, screening of Truly Madly Deeply
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Quay Arts
Family Funday in association with the British Film Institute. Animation workshops for five to ten year olds.
10am-11.30am, workshop 1
noon-1.30pm, workshop 2
Medina Theatre
No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and
The Making of No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency documentary hosted by
Gioia Minghella with Tim Bricknell and Nikki Amuka-Bird
11am introductions and screenings
The Talented Mr Ripley
Hosted by Gioia Minghella with Jude Law and Guy Barker
2.30pm introductions and screenings
Quay Arts
Climbing Cold Mountain documentary.
An audience with Jude Law
2.30pm screening of film, 3.45pm discussion with Jude Law
Medina Theatre
Gala screening of The English Patient
Hosted by Gloria Minghella, MBE, with Lord David Puttnam
and Kevin Whately. 6.15pm, drinks and canapes, 7.30pm, screening.
Dress code, black tie
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
Medina Theatre
Mr Wonderful noon.
Breaking and Entering
Hosted by Sophie Jeffrey with Martin Freeman and Reg Poerscout-Edgerton.
Cold Mountain
Hosted by Dominic Minghella and Amanda Neville, chair of the BFI.
6.15pm, reception, 7.30pm screening.