Oscar winner Lord Puttnam names 'remarkable' Minghella Building

Friday, 11 May 2012

Oscar winner Lord Puttnam speaks at the naming of the Minghella Building

Oscar-winning film producer David Puttnam officially opened the Minghella Building on 10 May, the University's new state of the art home for its Department of Film, Theatre and Television.

Lord Puttnam of Queensgate said the creation of the new building was a ‘remarkable achievement' and praised the work of the University's Department of Film, Theatre and Television, for which the £11 million new building is home.

Earlier in the day Lord Puttnam, who produced the Academy Award-winning Chariots of Fire and The Killing Fields, toured the building's theatres, TV studio, cutting rooms, sound recording suites and teaching facilities, along with relatives of the late Anthony Minghella, after whom the building is named. He also conducted a master class for current students, drawing on his experiences from his career in the arts.

At the event to officially name the building, Lord Puttnam recalled his memories of Anthony Minghella, who died in 2008, who he described as a polymath and a ‘very special person' who played a crucial role behind the scenes in film, TV and theatre.

"I sincerely hope that the work that goes on here for many years will reflect the spirit of Anthony Minghella," he said.

Anthony Minghella's mother, Gloria, said: "This beautiful place shows just what he meant to you all, and this is a reflection of what the University of Reading meant to Anthony.

"Nothing would have pleased him more, or us his family, to know the many who come through these doors have been inspired by this very ordinary young man from a very ordinary family. But with the right encouragement and enterprise, he reached for the stars, and so can you, the students - they will be well within your grasp."

Two former students of the Department of Film, Theatre and Television, Emma Ramsden and Ameenah Ayub, both spoke warmly of their memories of studying in Reading and how their experiences helped them to begin successful careers as a drama therapist and film producer, respectively.

Guests, who included current and former students, staff and supporters, including Chancellor Sir John Madejski, heard from the Head of the School of Arts and Communication Design, Professor Jonathan Bignell, about the work of the Department and the connections between Anthony Minghella and the University of Reading.

The University's Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell, said: "For many years, the Department of Film, Theatre and Television has been something of a hidden treasure at the University. Since arriving with a burst of colour and energy onto the main Whiteknights site their presence has made a remarkable impact."