Dear You: Teochew-Language Film Sparks Screening Debate in Singapore

Golden Village (GV) added eight Teochew-language showings of the Chinese film *Dear You* at its GVMax auditorium in VivoCity from 25 to 29 June. The extra sessions follow the sell-out of the initial eight Teochew screenings held 18–21 June. Tickets cost $18.50 (public) and $16.50 (movie-club); sales began 22 June, 3 p.m.

The Straits Times

Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) enforces a bilingual policy promoting Mandarin as the main language for Chinese Singaporeans. Under its guidelines, full-dialect films may be shown at festivals or niche events, while general releases are expected to use Mandarin dubbing. IMDA approved the extra Teochew screenings as an exception, citing support for cultural-heritage access.

The Straits Times

The original eight Teochew screenings sold 4,800 tickets in two hours. The added eight sessions run 25-29 June. *Dear You* has earned 1.7 billion yuan (?S$322 million) and 1.8 billion yuan (?US$264 million) domestically. In Hong Kong it logged over 200 screenings; in Macau more than 30 on opening day. Singapore now shows the film in 24 of 26 cinemas.

Chinese hit film 'Dear You' resonates with audience outside Mainland

Clover Films’ Lim Teck thanked IMDA for the extra Teochew showings, citing demand. GV said it quickly filed a request with IMDA after the sell-out. An IMDA spokesperson noted that allowing dialect screenings at festivals or niche events aligns with the bilingual policy’s goal of promoting Mandarin while preserving access to original-language content. MP Kenneth Tiong urged a general-release Teochew version with subtitles.

The Straits Times

Kenneth Tiong argued the Mandarin-only rule is unnecessary, noting Mandarin use has risen while dialects decline. He cited Teochew in train announcements and Pioneer Generation videos, questioning why Singaporeans must travel to Johor Bahru for the original version. Online commenters echoed his view, expressing disappointment and calling for broader Teochew screenings.

WP MP Kenneth Tiong: Why are we making Singaporeans go to JB to watch Dear You in Mandarin?

Box-office figures differ: CNA reports 1.7 billion yuan (S$322 million), Bastillepost cites 1.8 billion yuan (US$264 million). Both sources agree the film plays in 24 of 26 Singapore cinemas. No data clarifies the split between Teochew and Mandarin-dubbed attendance.

Chinese hit film 'Dear You' resonates with audience outside Mainland

• “We are grateful to IMDA (Infocomm Media Development Authority) for its support in allowing additional Teochew language screenings of Dear You in Singapore.” — Lim Teck, Managing Director, Clover Films

The Straits Times

• “This is in line with the current approach where full dialect films can be screened at festivals and niche events to provide access to such content for those who wish to view the film in its original language,” — IMDA spokesperson

Channel News Asia - CNA

• “My view is simple: let it screen here in Teochew, on general release, with subtitles,” — Kenneth Tiong, WP MP

WP MP Kenneth Tiong: Why are we making Singaporeans go to JB to watch Dear You in Mandarin?

• “The sense of devotion to one's country and family expressed in this film is truly touching.” — Wu Ting-yuk, Chairman, Federation of Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community Organizations

Chinese hit film 'Dear You' resonates with audience outside Mainland

IMDA has not signaled a policy change for dialect films. Clover Films and GV may request further Teochew sessions if demand persists. MP Kenneth Tiong plans to raise the issue in parliament, potentially prompting a review of the bilingual framework’s cinema application.

The Straits Times