Teochew‑dialect film “Dear You” draws crowds across Southeast Asia

The Chinese film “Dear You” (给阿嬷的情书), spoken in the Teochew dialect, tells the story of a Teochew grandmother waiting for news from her husband who migrated to Thailand and the later discovery of his fate through letters known as qiaopi. The narrative explores the historic practice of migrant workers sending letters and money to families in China.

Since its Southeast Asian release on 18 June 2026, the film has resonated with audiences in Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as among diaspora communities in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. In Singapore it earned S$7.3 million in its first week, while Malaysia reported box‑office receipts of RM5.8 million across more than 100 cinemas. Cinema operators noted that many elderly viewers returned to theatres after years away, and younger audiences attended with their grandparents, often moved to tears.

The film’s cultural impact is highlighted by its use of authentic Teochew language and its portrayal of the qiaopi tradition, which UNESCO inscribed on the Memory of the World Register. Critics praise director Lan Hongchun for delivering a heartfelt, low‑budget production that preserves a fading heritage while achieving commercial success.