Nansun Shi, one of the most influential figures in Hong Kong cinema and a pioneering female producer who helped shape the industry’s golden age, died on Monday evening at the age of 75.
Film Workshop Limited, the production company Shi co-founded with renowned director Tsui Hark, released an official statement confirming her death at 8:51 pm at Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.
Shi had been suffering from an immune system illness since 2022, with her condition deteriorating in recent months, according to the statement. A bacterial infection triggered multiple organ failure, and she passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side, it added.
Beginning her career in the 1970s, she worked in production and administrative roles at TVB, Radio Television Hong Kong, Commercial Television, and Rediffusion Television — the predecessor of Asia Television.
In the 1980s, as Hong Kong’s New Wave cinema flourished, she joined Cinema City (New Art City) and became the only female member of the legendary “New Art City Seven” — a group of visionary filmmakers that included Karl Maka, Dean Shek, Raymond Wong, Eric Tsang, Teddy Robin, and Tsui.
Shi’s personal and professional lives became closely intertwined with Tsui. Their partnership produced a string of classics that defined Hong Kong cinema’s golden era, including A Chinese Ghost Story, the Once Upon a Time in China series, Swordsman II, and Flying Swords of Dragon Gate.
In addition to her work with Tsui, she served as vice chairperson of Media Asia Entertainment Group from 2001 to 2004, where she produced the blockbuster Infernal Affairs. The film was later sold to international markets and adapted by Martin Scorsese into the Oscar-winning The Departed.
ALSO READ: The Cannes campaign
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui expressed sorrow over Shi’s passing and extended her deepest condolences to her family.
“Ms Shi dedicated her life to the film and TV industry, leaving behind precious cinematic memories for Hong Kong people. We will always remember her extraordinary contributions to Hong Kong's film and TV industry,” Law said in a statement on Tuesday.
