{
  "id": 3394308,
  "title": "How a Chinese film shot in dialect is finding a global audience",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/how-a-chinese-film-shot-in-dialect-is-finding-a-global-audience",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T01:23:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/china-film-dear-you-immigration-teochew-e709353981863cd22e9bebfa6b6814dd"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\n\"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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nAs 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nDuring 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.\"",
  "summary": "BANGKOK (AP) — The buzziest film in China this year was shot almost entirely in a southern Chinese dialect that most Chinese viewers need subtitles to…",
  "key_points": [
    "\"Dear You\" filmed almost entirely in Teochew dialect, requiring subtitles for most Chinese viewers",
    "Film set to travel overseas, marking Chinese cultural exports wave",
    "Emailed 269 million yuan ($40 million) at Chinese box office by August"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The film's success shows how Chinese cultural exports can gain global traction, while also aligning with official values, enhancing China's soft power and recognition worldwide.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "How a Chinese film shot in dialect is finding a global audience",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/how-a-chinese-film-shot-in-dialect-is-finding-a-global-audience-3396513",
        "published": "2026-08-26T01:04:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}