Anthony Minghella :
A Retrospective

A Significant Contribution to Film

Oscar-winning Hollywood film director, producer and playwright Anthony Minghella was celebrated with a series of film screenings and events, as part of the UK City of Culture programme.

The film legend was a student and lecturer at the University in the 1970s and 80s. Minghella went on to become Chair of the British Film Institute and became one of the city’s greatest cultural exports, acclaimed for films including The Talented Mr Ripley, The English Patient and Cold Mountain, all of which were shown as part of this retrospective.

Screenings were accompanied by a range of events, from live discussions and script readings to music and performance, all exploring Minghella’s extraordinary career.

“As an alumnus and former lecturer, Anthony Minghella is a great example of the university’s contribution to creativity. We are proud to be part of and host a tribute to Anthony and his significant contribution to film as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations.“

Professor Glenn Burgess, University of Hull

A display of rare materials from the Minghella archive included personal items from his time as a university staff member, including the script of his breakthrough play, Whale Music.

Early work in British television and producing children’s programming, comedy, drama and artistic shorts before Minghella moves on to full length feature films were also shown.

Many people are not aware of Hull’s place in British cinema. For this project I worked with the University of Hull, the BFI and the BFI Film Hub North to bring this celebration of the life and work of Anthony Minghella, one of Britain’s filmmaking greats. The Anthony Minghella Retrospective helped kick off a series of events throughout the year, presenting a range of international films whilst also showcasing Hull’s role in this important and ever popular artform.

Minghella Retrospective events that took place in conjunction with the BFI and the BFI Film Hub North, included:

Anthony Minghella: Artworks In Progress

Minghella on Television

Screenings of The English Patient, The Talented Mr. Ripley & Cold Mountain

This project was part of ‘Transformative Film Culture for Hull’. This major programme was supported by the BFI and BFI Film Hub North. It was part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network led by Showroom Workstation. With thanks to Anna Plant.