[2023.10.26] DIRECTOR HOU HSIAO-HSIEN RETIRES FROM FILM DUE TO DEMENTIA

Shu Qi would have worked on Hou Hsiao-Hsien's new film 
courtesy of on.cc

Hou Hsiao-Hsien in 2015 with THE ASSASSIN won the Cannes Film Festival Best Director

Hou Hsiao-Hsien's prevous public appearance was in April 10th last year for the Taiwan film classic DUST OF ANGELS' Golden Horse Fantastic Film Festival premiere

Shu Qi posted a photo with Chang Chen and Hou Hsiao-Hsien and revealed that they would work together on SHULAN RIVER, which has ended its preparation due to Director Hou's illness.

Hou Hsiao-Hsien received his Golden Horse Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020

Hou Hsiao-Hsien's 1989 film CITY OF SADNESS won the Berlin Film Festival Golden Lion prize and became the first Taiwan film to win an award at the three major film festivals
courtesy of mingpao.com

Famous Taiwan director Hou Hsiao-Hsien yesterday confirmed that he was suffering from dementia and announced his retirement. Shu Qi has accepted a role in his film SHULAN RIVER and hoped to have a shot at the Best Actress award, but due to Director Hou's condition the film has already been scrapped and could not be completed.

Shu Qi has worked with Hou Hsiao-Hsien on movies like THREE TIMES, MILLENNIUM MAMBO, and THE ASSASSIN, even winning the 42nd Golden Horse Award Best Actress with THREE. Shu Qi said that she has long known about Director Hou's illness. "He not only is a director but also a wise man. About film he would teach me a lot, and he is an elder who loves me very much. Aside from being grateful, I am more grateful. I hope that he would be able to properly rest." She even hoped that no one would disturb his family and let him like a carefree life. She continued, "He has contributed so much to Taiwan film, brought so much glory to Taiwan film, I hope that everyone would let his future days be calm and happy."

Because of the importance of Hou Hsiao-Hsien to the Taiwan film industry, the news of his dementia rocked the entertainment circle. Director Hou's son hence issued a statement and said that earlier when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he was still preparing for his next movie and persistent about his beloved production work. Then he caught the novel coronavirus his condition took a nose dive. This was something that they did not expect, and they comforted everyone not to be too saddened. "Before the diagnosis he has often said to us, he has discovered that his fondness for film has become more and more pure. After recovery he has already returned to his family life and peaceful rest."

As for the film Director Hou was preparing for, SHULAN RIVER, the statement said that the film no longer had any way to continue operation. While that is fully regrettable, Hou Hsiao-Hsien's past films have already received recognition around the world. "Conceivably in the flood of time not only would he not be forgotten, his attitude and spirit toward film would always be preserved by his colleagues and fans."

Since SHU could not be completed, the 2015 release THE ASSASSIN would be Director Hou's final film. The film won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival and brought a perfect end to Director Hou's film career.

Hou Hsiao-Hsien this year also served as the producer for his long term art director Hwarng Wern-Ying's film BE WITH ME. Hwarng Wern-Ying yesterday said that Hou Hsiao-Hsien not only participated in the film's production start ceremony, but also visited the set several times during its production and gave a lot of advice. Having just learned the news, she hoped that Hou Hsiao-Hsien would be able to take good care and continue to exercise and stay strong.