TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Renowned Taiwanese film director Hou Hsiao-hsien, aged 76, has been forced to retire due to dementia, as confirmed by his son, Hou Fu-yu, in a statement released on Wednesday (Oct. 25).
Despite Alzheimer's disease, director Hou reportedly has continued to prepare for his next film, demonstrating his unwavering passion for filmmaking. His son added that his love for cinema had become increasingly pure.
However, it is with regret that the production of his latest film, "On the Shulan River" ("Searching for the River God") was halted. Nevertheless, Hou Fu-yu expressed relief in the knowledge that Hou's past works have been highly acclaimed domestically and globally.
The statement ends with a tribute to Hou's outstanding cinematic contributions as a beloved auteur of Taiwanese cinema. Fu-yu expressed his sentiments for his father's achievements, saying, "Director Hou has left behind numerous cinematic classics. I truly believe that his attitude and spirit toward cinema will be fondly remembered by his peers and fans for years to come."
