Ann Hui

Ann Hui On-wah, BBS MBE (Chinese: 許鞍華; born 23 May 1947) is a renowned film director, producer, screenwriter, and actress from Hong Kong, and is hailed as one of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers of the Hong Kong New Wave. Best known for her films tackling social issues within Hong Kong, her cinematic repertoire ranges from literary adaptations and martial arts films to semi-autobiographical works and thrillers. Hui served as president of the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild from 2004 to 2006. Her illustrious career boasts numerous awards, including Best Director at the Golden Horse Awards three times (1999, 2011, 2014) and Best Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards six times (1983, 1996, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018). Only two films have achieved a Grand Slam at the Hong Kong Film Awards; Summer Snow and A Simple Life, both of which were directed by Hui.

Born on 23 May 1947 in Anshan, a Chinese iron-mining city in Liaoning Province, Hui's passion for film was fuelled early in life. In 1952, Hui moved to Macau, then to Hong Kong at the age of five. Steeped in a rich cultural mix, Hui's early life saw her develop a passion for classical literature. During her college years, she engaged in student theater troupes, performing as an extra, handling miscellaneous tasks, and designing posters. In 1972, Hui earned a master's in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Hong Kong and studied at the London Film School for two years. Upon returning to Hong Kong, she worked as an assistant to renowned Chinese film director King Hu and later for Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) as a scriptwriter-director.