Hsiao-Hsien Hou

Renowned for his contribution to the New Taiwanese Cinema movement, Hsiao-Hsien Hou was born in 1947 in Meixian, Guangdong, China, and began his directorial career in the 1980s. His films predominantly fall in the genre of drama and historical period pieces, with popular titles like "A City of Sadness" (1989) and "The Assassin" (2015) to his credit, both of which have garnered him significant awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and Best Director at Cannes. Hou's authorial style is characterized by his long, static shots, minimalistic storytelling, and a profound focus on Taiwan's history and culture. As a person, Hou exudes a quiet strength, embodying the same profound stillness and depth that are hallmarks of his cinematic masterpieces.