FILM FESTIVALS

Film fest seeks new chairman after death of Anthony Minghella

The Shanghai film festival to stage retrospective of the Oscar-winning director's works.

From the Associated Press

March 21, 2008

HONG KONG (AP) — Organizers of the 11th Shanghai International Film Festival are looking for a new jury chairman following the death of Anthony Minghella.

"This (Minghella's death) happened so suddenly. We're in the process of looking for a replacement," festival spokeswoman Crystal Yu told The Associated Press in a phone interview Friday.

The British filmmaker, who won an Oscar for "The English Patient," died Tuesday in London of a hemorrhage following surgery. He was 54. He also directed "Cold Mountain" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley."

Yu said the festival, scheduled for June 14-22, plans to stage a retrospective of Minghella's works.

The Shanghai event announced its selection of Minghella as jury chairman in February.