Shi Nansheng Passes Away from Multiple Organ Failure Xu Ke: She Held On Until the Last Moment

Hong Kong's film industry has lost a legend! "Golden Producer" Shi Nansheng peacefully passed away on the evening of the 13th at Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, at the age of 75. The "Film Workshop Co., Ltd." she founded subsequently announced her passing, confirming the sad news. Her former husband Xu Ke was dressed in black and appeared grief-stricken as he accompanied her in her final moments. Speaking to the media after walking out of the hospital, Xu Ke choked up and said: "Since 2022, Shi Nansheng’s immune system had been in decline. Over the years, she has always fought illness with a tenacious vitality... she held on until the very last moment."

Since 2022, Shi Nansheng’s health had been poor due to immune system issues, and in recent months, a bacterial infection caused multiple organ failure, ultimately claiming her life. News of her serious illness and hospitalization had broken earlier, with Xu Ke visiting her in the hospital on the 9th and staying at her side on the 13th as well. Xu Ke revealed that Shi Nansheng passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family, and relayed her final wish that people transform their sadness and longing into strength and warmth, and accept her farewell.

From Computer Prodigy to Movie Powerhouse

Shi Nansheng led a legendary life. Her ancestral home was in Shanghai and she grew up in Hong Kong. At 15, she traveled to Ghana, Africa to study, and then was admitted to North London Polytechnic in the UK, majoring in computers and statistics. Returning to Hong Kong in 1975, by coincidence she entered the PR and television industry, working at Commercial Television and Rediffusion TV. With outstanding administration and management abilities, she quickly distinguished herself.

In 1981, Shi Nansheng joined "Cinema City & Films Co." as Chief Administrative Officer, becoming the only female member of the company’s "Seven-member core decision-making team" (Kent Cheng, Dean Shek, Raymond Wong, Tsui Hark, Eric Tsang, Teddy Robin), also known as "The Seven Eccentrics of Cinema City." At a time when Hong Kong cinema emphasized brotherhood and the industry was just starting out, Shi Nansheng was the first to introduce Hollywood-style cost controls and copyright management, and worked actively to expand overseas markets, successfully pushing Hong Kong films into Japan, Korea, America, and Europe. She is recognized as a key player behind the scenes in bringing Hong Kong cinema to the international stage. #

News sources: Apple Online News + HK01