78-year-old renowned Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien has retired due to dementia, shocking the international film industry. Hou's family issued a statement on October 25, 2023, confirming that Hou Hsiao-hsien is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Although his work was proceeding as scheduled, due to a pneumonia diagnosis, the aftereffects affected his condition, leading to a halt in his work. The family revealed that after recovering from pneumonia, Hou Hsiao-hsien has fully returned to family life, resting at home peacefully, with a stable mental and physical state.
On the 8th of this month, Hou Hsiao-hsien celebrated his 78th birthday. 'CTWANT' observed him taking a walk with his son near their home that evening. There wasn't much conversation between the father and son, but Hou Hsiao-hsien appeared to be walking steadily, looking quite vigorous, as they enjoyed a warm and ordinary life together.
Source: CTWANT, Liberty Entertainment