Singapore to lift cap on dialect film screenings

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced during the National Day Rally that Singapore will lift the cap on the number of dialect film screenings, provided that a Mandarin-dubbed version of the film is also available. This policy shift aims to provide more flexibility for cinemas and pay television services while maintaining the nation’s bilingual policy.

While free-to-air broadcasts will continue to be primarily in Mandarin, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) will ease restrictions for pay television and movies. The decision follows public discussions regarding the screening of the Teochew-language film ‘Dear You’, which had previously faced limitations under existing guidelines.

PM Wong emphasized that while dialects are a cultural heritage worth preserving, the government remains committed to the Speak Mandarin Campaign to ensure Mandarin remains the common language among Chinese Singaporeans. He noted that the current bilingual efforts are moving in the right direction and must continue.