How a Chinese film shot in dialect is finding a global audience

The most talked-about Chinese film of 2026 was shot almost entirely in a Southern Chinese dialect called Teochew, which most Chinese viewers require subtitles to comprehend. Despite this linguistic barrier, "Dear You" has become China's second-highest-grossing film of the year. Now, it is set to travel overseas, contributing to a broader wave of Chinese cultural exports.

"Dear You" was primarily filmed in the Teochew dialect spoken by the Teochew immigrant community in Bangkok. The movie tells the tale of individuals who left China in search of work to support their families, offering a glimpse into the centuries-long history of Chinese migration to Southeast Asia. Shot on a modest budget, the film features a cast of mostly unknown actors.

The film's success lies in its ability to make a lesser-known history visible to a wider audience while adhering to official censorship requirements. Experts believe that it has managed to strike a balance between these two aspects by presenting an engaging narrative.

As of August, "Dear You" had earned approximately 269 million yuan ($40 million) at the Chinese box office. Following its release in Thailand in early August, the film has also been shown in Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia. It is scheduled to be released in the United States next month.

The film's popularity coincides with an increase in China's soft power through cultural exports. Chinese culture and consumer brands have been gaining global recognition, from collectible Labou dolls to the social media trend of embracing aspects of Chinese lifestyle. In response, the Chinese government actively promoted the film as it became a hit and prepared for its international release.

During a June screening of the film in Sydney, the Chinese consul emphasized that it "reflects the Chinese nation’s virtues of diligence, kindness, courage and unity."