Director Danny Pang has given his all for the sake of his wife. Photo: Danny Pang/Weibo
In an attempt to save his cancer-stricken wife, Hong Kong director Danny Pang Phat has spent his life savings on her medical expenses and has now filed for bankruptcy.
According to Hong Kong news portal Dimsum Daily, Pang recently admitted to accumulating a debt of over HK$2mil (RM1.2mil).
"We found a targeted therapy in Singapore which costs HK$80,000 (RM47,750) per month. The government subsidises half of it but when combined with other medical and living expenses, we need at least HK$100,000 (RM59,687) a month to survive," the 58-year-old said.
Pang's wife, who battled breast cancer over a decade ago, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in February.
At the time, Pang was shooting a drama in mainland China but rushed back to Hong Kong as soon as he got wind of the news.
"I ended up losing money. But if anything happened to (my wife), I'd regret it if I didn't get to see her for the last time," he said.
Dimsum Daily reported that Pang had planned to film a drama in China in June, so he could earn enough to cover his wife's medical expenses. However, the shooting schedule kept changing, and his financial situation became dire.
Although Pang was willing to take on simple editing work, no offers came his way. He has served as an editor on the classic Infernal Affairs trilogy (2002-2003).
"I don't have many connections in the industry. Since I have to take care of my wife, my job opportunities have been severely affected," he said.
Desperate to make ends meet, Pang resorted to borrowing money from others. He said he couldn't loan money from the bank as he didn't have income proof as a director.
"I'd borrow HK$100,000 (RM59,687) yet earn only HK$85,000 (RM50,734), and I have to repay the amount every 15 days.
"I already owe HK$2mil (RM1.2mil). If I had job opportunities, I believe I could repay my debts," he said.
Pang and his older sibling, Oxide Pang Chun, are famously known as the Pang Brothers.
The pair have worked together on films like Bangkok Dangerous (1999), The Eye (2002), Re-cycle (2006) and The Storm Riders (2009).
