Movie stars and Hong Kong’s culture minister have paid tribute to veteran film producer and “legendary figure” Shi Nan-sun, who died aged 75 earlier this week after suffering multiple organ failure caused by a bacterial infection.
Film Workshop, the company she co-founded with her former husband, acclaimed director Tsui Hark, said Shi died peacefully at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital at 8.51pm on Monday, surrounded by loved ones.
“Ms Shi had been in declining health since 2022 due to complications affecting her immune system,” the company said.
“In recent months, recurrent infections resulted in multiple organ dysfunction.”
Details of memorial and funeral arrangements would be announced later, it added.
In a tribute posted to mainland Chinese social media platform Weibo, international movie star Jackie Chan said the film world had “lost another legendary figure”.
“People will always remember her valour and the strength of the character behind those classic works,” he said.
Actress Carina Lau Ka-ling also posted an old black-and-white photo of herself with Shi on her Instagram account along with a message of mourning.
“I have learned countless pieces of wisdom from you on how to conduct oneself. You are an immensely respected representative of women and a film veteran in the hearts of both me and Tony [Leung Chiu-wai],” she wrote.
Brigitte Lin Ching-hsia, Donnie Yen Chi-tan and Shu Qi were also among a host of film stars who shared public tributes to Shi.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui described Shi as a distinguished Hong Kong producer who made significant contributions to the long-term development of the local film industry.
Among the films she produced and distributed were the much-loved A Chinese Ghost Story film franchise, the Once Upon a Time in China series, Black Mask, The Legend of Zu and Infernal Affairs.
“Ms Shi dedicated her life to the film and TV industry, leaving behind precious cinematic memories for Hong Kong people,” Law said. “We will always remember her extraordinary contributions to Hong Kong’s film and TV industry.”
Shi’s ex-husband, Tsui, said the veteran film producer fought the illness with immense resilience until her immune system recently deteriorated severely.
“She held on bravely until the very last moment, passing away peacefully surrounded by family and friends. She was deeply grateful for everyone’s care and blessings throughout,” he said as he stepped out of the hospital on Monday night.
Shi was last seen in public in May when she attended the funeral of veteran film producer Linda Kuk Mei-lai. Her use of a walking stick at the time prompted concerns for her health.
Born and educated in Hong Kong, Shi studied statistics and computing at the Polytechnic of North London in Britain before beginning her career in television.
She entered the film industry in 1981 as an executive director at Cinema City, where she became known for overseeing administration, financing, contract negotiations and international distribution.
She later co-founded Film Workshop in 1984 and Distribution Workshop, helping Hong Kong productions reach international audiences and playing a central role in professionalising the local film business.
Shi and Tsui married in 1996 and remained together for 18 years before divorcing in 2014. The two maintained a close friendship and continued to support each other in their cinematic endeavours.
Film star Brigitte Lin, a close friend of Shi for more than 50 years, once mentioned the producer’s deep affection for Tsui in an article.
Quoting legendary novelist Louis Cha Leung-yung, better known as Jin Yong, she described Shi as “the only wife who is completely infatuated with her husband”.
“She devoted herself entirely, admired, and protected Tsui Hark, viewing him as a true artist,” she said.
In a social media tribute posted at 4am on Tuesday, Lin wrote: “As Shi’s best friend, the best way I can repay her is to follow her example and pass on the best energy to others.’’
Shi was also an instrumental figure in promoting Hong Kong films on the international stage.
Her honours included being made an officer of France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and receiving the best independent producer award at the Locarno International Film Festival.
Over the years, she was invited to serve as a jury member or president for various major international film festivals, and received multiple local and global accolades in recognition of her global vision and outstanding marketing skills.
In 2025, Shi and Tsui jointly received a lifetime achievement award at the Hong Kong Film Awards for their contributions to the industry. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
