NDR 2026: Cap on screenings of dialect films will be lifted if they have Mandarin-dubbed versions

The cap on the number of screenings for films with dialects will be lifted in Singapore if they have Mandarin-dubbed versions, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. This announcement was made during his Mandarin speech at the National Day Rally held on Aug 23. Wong stated that while Mandarin will continue to dominate free-to-air broadcasts, the restriction on dialect film screenings can be eased for pay television and movies as long as a Mandarin-dubbed version is available.

Additionally, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) has added a condition that the films must also have Chinese subtitles to lift the screening cap. This rule change applies to films entirely in dialects or with majority-dialect content. For subscription TV platforms, there will no longer be any restrictions on dialect content, such as limiting dialect arthouse movies to one per week or a percentage of dialect songs on music channels.

The updated guidelines for films and subscription TV will take effect in September 2026. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo expressed her hope that this adjustment will allow Singaporeans to rediscover, appreciate, and pass down the stories, expressions, and voices that connect them to their previous generations.

The announcement follows the controversy surrounding the screening of the Chinese film 'Dear You,' which was limited to just 10 screenings as part of the Speak Mandarin Campaign. The film, mostly in Teochew, sparked debates online about the campaign, which encourages the use of Mandarin over dialects. The Teochew version of 'Dear You' is set to be screened in its Mandarin-dubbed version for general release, although the Teochew version will still be screened at the premiere and be made available for other screenings, supporting the bilingual policy.