Hong Kong Film Icon Sylvia Chang Passes Away at 75

(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Shuling, Beijing, July 13) Sylvia Chang, a renowned Hong Kong film figure, passed away on the evening of the 13th at Yan Chai Hospital at the age of 75. Known for her decisive leadership and business savvy, she played a crucial role in driving Hong Kong cinema's golden era.

Hong Kong media outlet Hong Kong 01 reported late Monday that Film Workshop Limited issued a statement confirming that Chang had been in poor health since 2022 due to immune system issues. In recent months, bacterial infection led to multiple organ failure. She passed away peacefully at Yan Chai Hospital at 8:51 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026.

The statement noted that her beloved family and close friends were by her side, accompanying her through her final journey. Details regarding memorial and farewell services will be announced later.

The mainland Chinese WeChat public account 'Dao Tong,' which focuses on cinema and filmmakers, described Chang as a pivotal force behind Hong Kong's cinematic golden age and the former wife and key collaborator of director Tsui Hark.

Born on August 8, 1951, in Shanghai, China, Chang was a veteran Hong Kong film professional, producer, and executive producer. She formerly served as Vice Chairperson of Hong Kong's Media Asia Films.

In the 1980s, Chang joined Cinema City & Films Co. as Executive Director, helping the studio pioneer the golden age of Hong Kong cinema and contributing to the planning of major box office hits such as 'A Better Tomorrow.'

Starting in 1984, she co-founded 'Film Workshop' with Tsui Hark. While Hark focused on directing and creative work, Chang managed financing, distribution, promotion, and production oversight, jointly creating Chinese-language classics such as 'A Chinese Ghost Story' and 'Once Upon a Time in China.'

Beginning in 2001, Chang joined Media Asia Group as Vice Chairperson, serving as executive producer for films like 'Infernal Affairs' and actively promoting Chinese-language cinema on the global stage.

Chang was named one of the '50 Most Influential People in Global Cinema' by the American trade magazine 'Variety' and served as a jury member for the main competition at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival.

In 2025, Chang received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards. (Editor: Chen Zhengjian) 1150713

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