[2026.07.15] VETERAN FILMMAKER SHI NANSUN PASSED AWAY AT 75

Tsui Hark (circle) expresses that Shi Nansun passed away peacefully in the company of her family and friends

Shi Nansun, Raymond Wong, Eric Tsang, Karl Maka, Dean Shek and Teddy Robin Kwan form the Cinema City Seven Eccentrics
courtesy of mingpao.com

Veteran filmmaker Shi Nansun passed away last night at Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital at the age of 75. Her ex-husband Tsui Hark, her family and friends were by her bedside when she passed. "The Film Workshop" issued a statement: "Our most respected Ms. Shi Nansun has been in poor health since 2022 due to immune system issues. In recent months, due to bacterial infections that led to multiple organ failure, she peacefully passed away at 8:51 p.m. on Monday, July 13th, 2026, at the age of 75. Her beloved family and family were by her side, accompanying her through the final chapter of her life. Information regarding the memorial and farewell service will be announced later."

Before leaving the hospital at around 11 p.m. last night, Tsui Hark as the representative spoke to the media. He mentioned that Shi Nansun's immune system began to have problems in 2022 and described her as fighting the illness with tenacious vitality. "Recently Shi Nansun's immune system has severely declined. The virus has severely infected her, causing many organ failures. She held on until the very last moment, peacefully passing away surrounded by her friends and family, bidding farewell to everyone. Shi Nansun and her family have always been grateful for everyone's attention, support, and blessings. She hoped that everyone would turn the farewell, sadness, and longing for her into a source of strength and warmth to accept her farewell, wishing her peace and that her spirit will always be with us." Did Shi Nansun have any last words? Tsui Hark did not respond, got into the car and left.

Last week, the news broke that Shi Nansun was seriously ill and hospitalized. For days the media had been waiting outside the hospital, as Tsui Hark, Brigitte Lin, Sylvia Chang, and Winnie Yu Tsang visiting her. At the time Tsui Hark told the media that he hoped everyone would respect Shi Nansun and give her time and space to rest. Last year Shi Nansun and Tsui Hark both received the Hong Kong Film Awards for Lifetime Achievement, presented by their friend of over 40 years Brigitte Lin. At that time Shi Nansun was energetic and in excellent condition. A year later when Shi Nansun attended Linda Kuk's funeral in May, she looked thin and somewhat pale. She walked slowly with the support of a cane and help from others.

In her early years Shi Nansun worked for Commercial Television and Rediffusion Television. In the early 1980s she entered the film industry and was active in the film industry for over 40 years. In 198, she became the executive director of Cinema City Film Company, forming the 'Cinema City Seven Eccentrics' alongside Karl Maka, Dean Shek Tin, Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Tsui Hark, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, and Teddy Robin Kwan. Shi Nansun excelled in administration, planning, distribution, public relations, and marketing, known for her decisive approach and unique vision; in 1984, she co-founded the Film Workshop with Tsui Hark, producing countless classic films such as 'A BETTER TOMORROW', 'PEKING OPERA BLUES', 'A CHINESE GHOST STORY', 'ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA', and 'THE SWORDSMAN II'. Shi Nansun also brought Hong Kong cinema to the international stage, winning multiple international awards to highlight her achievements. She and Tsui Hark were known as the "golden couple" of the film industry. They married in 1996, a relationship that lasted 18 years. After their divorce, they maintained a friendly relationship.