Makers of Lin Family Massacre movie apologize for causing 'distress'

Taipei, Feb. 7 (CNA) The makers of a movie about the unsolved 1980 murders of then-dissident Lin I-hsiung's (林義雄) mother and 6-year-old twin daughters on Saturday issued an apology for "any distress caused," after coming under fire for not consulting Lin before starting production.

"Regarding the concerns raised by recent reports and discussions about the movie, we acknowledge the feedback and offer our apologies for any distress caused," a statement released to reporters by the film's marketing agency said.

"We absolutely meant no disrespect. We were unable to visit and consult [Lin] at the earliest opportunity. In the future, with respect as our premise, we will proactively explain and humbly listen to any opinions or guidance," the statement said.

The statement was signed by Feisitu Culture and Entertainment Co., Ltd. and Feng Shang International Culture Media Ltd., the film's joint producers.

Earlier on Saturday, Tien Chiu-chin (田秋堇), Lin I-hsiung's former secretary and long-time friend, told local media that while the film's director, Hsu Kun-hua (徐琨華), has creative freedom, "he should have consulted those directly involved."

"If the storyline deviates significantly from the facts, it could risk causing Mr. Lin additional harm," said Tien, a member of the Control Yuan.

Lin's mother and 6-year-old twin daughters were murdered at their home on Feb. 28, 1980, while the residence in Taipei was constantly under heavy surveillance by the Kuomintang's (KMT) authoritarian state security apparatus due to Lin's political activism.

His eldest daughter, Lin Huan-chun (林奐均), who was then 9 years old, was severely injured.

At the time, Lin was imprisoned and facing trial for his involvement in the landmark pro-democracy Kaohsiung Incident the previous year. Despite intense monitoring, the perpetrators of the massacre have never been caught.

The film, titled "The Century Bloodshed" (世紀血案), follows a fictional journalist as she pieces together various perspectives while investigating the Lin family massacre, according to the statement from the production companies.

It was first made public at a press event on Feb. 1, where the lead actors announced that filming had wrapped and that the movie was planned for release in 2027.

The film's director, Hsu, has also come under criticism over his grandfather, Hsu Mei-lin's (徐梅鄰) role as a spokesperson for the Taiwan Garrison Command at the time of the killings.

Lu Chiu-yuan (呂秋遠), a legal commentator, questioned Hsu Kun-hua's legitimacy in producing the film, saying the Lin family murders remain unresolved and that the Taiwan Garrison Command can hardly be considered free of responsibility.

"That his grandfather was a high-ranking member of the Taiwan Garrison Command doesn't mean he can't make political films … But is it necessary for him to make this one? Is it appropriate? Is it suitable?" Lu said in a Facebook post.

Hsu Kun-hua was absent from the Feb. 1 press event and had not issued any public response to the controversies as of Saturday.

Meanwhile, Lee Chien-na (李千娜), an actress and singer who made a brief appearance as Lin I-hsiung's neighbor in the film, stirred further controversy after stating in an interview that "a reexamination of the case might lead to the perception that it was not as serious or horrific."

Following a social media backlash, Lee issued a statement apologizing to Lin I-hsiung, his family and friends for her "inappropriate remarks."

Amid the controversy, the hashtag "#RefuseToWatchCenturyBloodshed" began on Threads, with one post alone garnering over 250,000 views as of Saturday evening, according to local media.