Tsui Hark Honors Nansun Shi, Announces New Projects at Lumière Festival

A heartfelt moment at Lumière

On Sunday in Lyon, France, the Lumière Film Festival became the stage for a poignant tribute. Hong Kong filmmaker Tsui Hark stood before an attentive audience and spoke of his former wife and long‑time producing partner, Nansun Shi, who passed away in July. He described her as a guiding force behind many of his most celebrated works, noting that her absence is felt on both personal and professional levels.

Tsui’s words resonated with the crowd, many of whom have followed his career for decades. He said, "I miss my partner Nansun, who helped me on so many projects over so many years. Her vision and dedication shaped the path we walked together." The emotion in his voice underscored the depth of their collaboration.

Remembering Nansun Shi's legacy

Nansun Shi was a pioneering figure in Hong Kong cinema. Beginning her career in the early 1980s, she co‑founded Film Workshop and later founded her own production company, which backed a string of influential films. Her work helped launch the careers of directors such as Wong Kar‑wai and John Woo, and she played a crucial role in bringing Hong Kong cinema to an international audience.

Industry observers frequently cite her as a catalyst for the New Wave movement that transformed Asian film in the 1990s. For a detailed biography, see the Nansun Shi entry on Wikipedia. Her contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Key milestones in her career

• Co‑produced "A Better Tomorrow" (1986), a film that redefined the action genre.
• Supported the early works of Wong Kar‑wai, including "Days of Being Wild" (1990).
• Founded a production house that championed independent voices in the 1990s.
• Received the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Film Producer in 1998.

New ventures announced by Tsui Hark

After honoring Nansun, Tsui turned his attention to the future. He announced two major projects that signal a new chapter for his creative output.

Project one: A science fiction epic

The first venture is a large‑scale science fiction film set in a near‑future Asia. Tsui described it as "a story about humanity’s relationship with technology, hope, and survival." He confirmed that the script is currently in development and that he is collaborating with a team of emerging writers.

Project two: A historical drama

The second project revisits a pivotal moment in Chinese history, focusing on the cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. Tsui emphasized the importance of authentic set design and period‑accurate costumes, noting that the production will involve extensive location shooting in Xinjiang.

Both films are slated to begin principal photography in 2025, with tentative release dates aimed at the 2026 award season.

Industry reactions

Colleagues and critics responded positively to Tsui’s announcements. Variety highlighted his ability to blend commercial appeal with artistic ambition, stating, "Tsui Hark continues to push the boundaries of Asian cinema while honoring the legacy of those who helped him get here."Read the full article on Variety.

The Hong Kong Film Archive also issued a statement, praising Tsui’s dedication to preserving the region’s cinematic heritage while embracing innovative storytelling.Visit the Hong Kong Film Archive.

Future of Hong Kong cinema

During the press conference, Tsui reflected on broader trends shaping the industry. He noted the rise of streaming platforms, the growing importance of international co‑production agreements, and the need for younger talent to carry the torch.

He expressed optimism about the next generation of filmmakers, saying, "The spirit of creativity that Nansun nurtured lives on in the new voices emerging from Hong Kong. They will write stories that resonate worldwide."

Tsui also addressed the challenges posed by shifting audience habits. He suggested that embracing new distribution models while maintaining high production values will be key to sustaining the region’s cinematic influence.

Key points for the industry

1. Invest in talent development programs.
2. Foster partnerships with global streaming services.
3. Prioritize authentic storytelling that reflects cultural heritage.
4. Leverage technology to enhance visual storytelling without compromising narrative depth.

As the Lumière Festival concluded, Tsui Hark left the audience with a hopeful message: the legacy of Nansun Shi will continue to inspire future projects, and the evolution of Hong Kong cinema remains a collaborative journey.