Documentary 'Island of the Gods' Copyright Row Resolved After Month-Long Delay

A dispute over portrait rights has erupted concerning the documentary "Island of the Gods" and its related book. The "Find the Trees" association, featured in the film, has accused the production of insufficient authorization.

“

Because of personal oversight, I have been unable to properly handle the dispute over the "Island of the Gods" movie book, which has caused great distress to the association. I hereby announce that I am resigning from the position of chairman of the "Find the Trees Association" effective immediately.

Chiu Teng-jung, the chairman of the "Find the Trees" association, announced on June 17 that the film's authorization process has been completed retrospectively. He clarified that while he initially agreed to the use of his likeness and time-lapse photography in the documentary to support ecological and public welfare initiatives, he never authorized the use of his image in the accompanying book or other commercial merchandise.

“

Previously, based on the initial intention of supporting ecology and public welfare promotion, I unconditionally agreed to authorize the use of my portrait and time-lapse photography in the documentary "Island of the Gods." The post-authorization procedures have been completed this week. However, I did not agree to authorize the movie book and other commercial derivative peripherals; the two cannot be confused.

Chiu resigned from his position, citing personal oversight that caused significant distress to the association. He stated that the book, "Island of the Gods," incorporated his photographic likeness without his knowledge or consent, constituting a severe infringement of his rights. He has demanded that the author, Li Hsiang-hsiu, immediately cease sales of the current version of the book. If digital versions are released with the unauthorized content removed, he will not pursue further action.

“

The book, without my knowledge and without my authorization or consent, directly included photographic portraits containing my likeness and was publicly sold for commercial purposes. This action has severely infringed upon my rights.

The controversy highlights a "board first, ticket later" situation, as the film was released on May 15, but the authorization was only finalized this week, a month later. This delay has drawn considerable questioning. The director, Li Hsiang-hsiu, has not yet responded to requests for comment.

“

Therefore, I demand that the author Li Hsiang-hsiu immediately stop selling the current version of the movie book "Island of the Gods" that was not authorized by me. If the digital version removes the unauthorized content, I will not pursue further.