Taipei: The makers of a film about the unsolved 1980 murders of Lin I-hsiung's mother and 6-year-old twin daughters issued an apology on Saturday for "any distress caused," following criticism for not consulting Lin prior to the production.
According to Focus Taiwan, the film's marketing agency released a statement acknowledging the concerns raised and expressing apologies for any distress. The statement emphasized that there was no intention of disrespect and admitted the oversight in not consulting Lin at the earliest opportunity. The filmmakers committed to respectful communication and being open to opinions and guidance in the future. The statement was signed by Feisitu Culture and Entertainment Co., Ltd. and Feng Shang International Culture Media Ltd., the joint producers of the film.
Lin I-hsiung, alongside his wife Fang Su-min and eldest daughter Lin Huan-chun, was present at a 2007 memorial service for the Lin Family Massacre. The service took place at Gi-kong Presbyterian Church, a former home of the Lin family where the tragic event occurred on February 28, 1980. Lin's former secretary, Tien Chiu-chin, highlighted the importance of consulting those directly involved in the incident, warning that deviations from the facts could cause Lin additional harm.
The massacre happened while the Lin residence in Taipei was under heavy surveillance by the Kuomintang's (KMT) authoritarian state security apparatus. Lin's eldest daughter, Lin Huan-chun, was severely injured, while Lin himself was imprisoned for his involvement in the Kaohsiung Incident, a pro-democracy protest, the previous year. Despite the intense monitoring, the perpetrators were never identified.
The film, titled "The Century Bloodshed," features a fictional journalist investigating the Lin family massacre from various perspectives. It was first introduced at a press event on February 1, where the lead actors announced the completion of filming, with the movie set for release in 2027.
Director Hsu Kun-hua faced criticism due to his grandfather, Hsu Mei-lin's, role as a spokesperson for the Taiwan Garrison Command during the time of the killings. Legal commentator Lu Chiu-yuan questioned Hsu's legitimacy in producing the film, pointing out the unresolved nature of the murders and the Taiwan Garrison Command's controversial involvement. Lu raised concerns about the appropriateness of Hsu directing this particular film.
Hsu Kun-hua was absent from the press event and had not publicly responded to the controversies as of Saturday. Additionally, actress and singer Lee Chien-na, who played a minor role as Lin I-hsiung's neighbor, faced backlash for comments made in an interview, suggesting a reexamination of the case might alter perceptions of its severity. Following criticism, Lee issued an apology to Lin I-hsiung, his family, and friends for her "inappropriate remarks."