MOVIE magic came to the Isle of Wight last night when stars of stage and screen arrived in Newport to launch a marathon three-day film festival honouring the work of celebrated film director Anthony Minghella who died last year.

Alan Rickman, star of the smash hit Harry Potter movies and close friend of Mr Minghella, mingled with star-struck crowds and signed autographs for excited youngsters before attending a gala screening of Truly Madly Deeply, the film which launched Mr Minghella’s illustrious career.

Screen superstar Jude Law is set to be in Newport today for a sell-out discussion session before he introduces The Talented Mr Ripley.

A gala screening of Mr Minghella’s multi-oscar winning film, The English Patient will also be held tonight which will feature a guest appearance by Inspector Morse star Kevin Whately.

Other stars at last night’s glittering event were acclaimed director Lord David Puttnam and Michael Maloney, Shakespearean actor and co-star of Truly Madly Deeply.

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 David 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 tomorrow with The Office star Martin Freeman who will introduce Breaking and Entering.

For coverage of Jude Law in the south see Monday's Daily Echo