Dear You film explores Teochew culture and diaspora history

The Chinese film ‘Dear You’ is gaining attention across Southeast Asia for its portrayal of Teochew culture and the experiences of the Chinese diaspora. Directed by Lan Hongchun, the film explores themes of family values, intergenerational relationships, and the historical journeys of the Teochew community.

A central element of the film is the research into ‘qiaopi’—the traditional practice of sending letters and remittances from migrants back to their hometowns. The narrative is set around the 1940s, a period when such letters were vital for maintaining emotional connections despite geographic distances.

To ensure authenticity, Lan Hongchun conducted research across several Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, meeting with diaspora families to understand how their cultural heritage has been passed down through generations.