It’s official: Hou Hsiao-hsien has retired from filmmaking. Deadline reports that the Taiwanese filmmaker’s family released a statement earlier this week that confirms he’s retiring after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. That means “On The Sulan River,” the movie Hou Hsiao-hsien has been worked on since 2015’s “The Assassin,” will not longer continue production.
While Hou was beloved in Taiwain since his 1980 feature debut “Cute Girl,” he didn’t become a regular at international film festivals until 1985’s “A Time To Live, A Time To Die.” A global breakthrough happened in 1989 when he won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for “A City Of Sadness.” His follow-up, 1993’s “The Puppetmaster,” wont the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Hou remained an enduringly popular world cinema figure through the 1990s and 2000s. Highlights during that era include 2001’s “Millenium Mambo” and 2007’s “Flight Of The Red Balloon,” among others. However, Hou didn’t taste a major festival award win again until “The Assassin” won the Best Director Prize at Cannes in 2015.
The statement released by Hou’s family (the entire text is available to read below translated from its original Chinese) states that ”Before the diagnosis, he often told us that he found that his love for movies became more and more pure… He has now fully returned to family life and is resting peacefully.” Elsewhere in the statement, Hou’s family also said Sinomovie, Hou’s company, will not shutter its doors, but it will also no longer make films.
“On The Shulan River” would have been one of Hou’s most fantastical films to date if he completed it. Here’s a brief synopsis for the film: “A waterway enthusiast encounters a river goddess while studying the city’s waterway system.” Hou’s film would have been a loose adaptation of Hsieh Hai-meng‘s novella “Shulan River.” Actress Shu Qi was set to star.
Hou’s family’s statement ends with the following: “Regrettably, the production of our father’s next film “On the Shulan River” has discontinued due to his illness. Nevertheless, his reputation as a filmmaker has been cemented through numerous critically-acclaimed films in Taiwan and internationally through the years. His contribution to the world of cinema will not be forgotten, and his dedication and compassion toward film making will be fondly remembered by his friends and fans.”
Read the entire statement from Hou’s family, signed by Cao Baofend, Hou’s wife, his son Isaac Hou, and his daughter Bess Hou.
“Our father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease a while ago, but it did not deter his passion for films as he continued to direct and produce his next film. More recently, his condition has worsened after a bout with COVID-19, and this has resulted in his retirement from the film industry.
While this is an unexpected development and disappointing news to all, we ask our father’s friends and fans not to despair. Before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he had often shared with us that his love for films has become purer.
Since recovery from COVID-19, he is now dedicating time to his family while recuperating with the same pureness and peace of mind. His company continues to be operational and we appreciate the kind notes of encouragement from all.
As our father has devoted his entire life to producing films, it was difficult for him to spare time and energy for the family. Despite the challenges, we are grateful that our father’s condition has allowed the family to spend time together and re-establish our love and devotion for one another. We ask everyone to kindly give our family space and peace, as this is much needed at this point of our father’s life.
Regrettably, the production of our father’s next film “On the Shulan River” has discontinued due to his illness. Nevertheless, his reputation as a filmmaker has been cemented through numerous critically-acclaimed films in Taiwan and internationally through the years. His contribution to the world of cinema will not be forgotten, and his dedication and compassion toward film making will be fondly remembered by his friends and fans.
As we navigate this difficult time for our family, we again humbly ask for your kind respect for our privacy and extend our utmost gratitude for your support. No further comment will be issued at this time.
Hou Fuyue, Hou Yunhua, Cao Baofeng”
Statement by the family of Hou Hsiao-hsien (original Chinese text)
