Singapore's Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) issued a media statement on June 22, saying that authorities stand ready to approve more Teochew-language screenings of the hit film Dear You, should the distributor file applications amid overwhelming audience demand.
MDDI thanked members of the public and industry partners for their feedback and interest in the film's release. It also welcomed the broader conversation the movie has sparked about Chinese dialects and cultural identity in Singapore.
Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) statement on the film Dear You (Photo: MDDI)
MDDI noted that while the Government's longstanding policy of promoting Mandarin as one of Singapore's four official languages remains relevant, dialects are also an important part of Singapore's cultural heritage. They carry rich traditions, stories, and ways of expression, helping many Singaporeans maintain connections to their cultural roots and community histories.
The Government welcomes efforts by community groups, clan associations, and cultural practitioners to sustain interest in dialects. It also supports the practical use of dialects, including in the communication of important public information, Mediacorp programmes for seniors, and arts and cultural productions.
Addressing calls for dialect films to be screened more freely in cinemas, MDDI acknowledged that applications are still required under the current framework. However, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will take a more flexible approach in considering such applications. In the case of Dear You, IMDA has supported eight additional Teochew screenings on top of the initial ten cinema screenings. MDDI said it remains open to facilitating and supporting further Teochew screenings should the distributor wish to apply.
Audience members queue to collect tickets at Sands Theatre for the film Dear You. (Photo: Deng Yingheng)
The Ministry further said Mandarin continues to play an important unifying role among Chinese Singaporeans. At the same time, dialects remain a valued part of Singapore's cultural heritage and identity. It said it is encouraged by growing interest in dialects, including among younger Singaporeans. It will also continue to engage industry and community stakeholders while keeping its approach under review to support the appreciation and use of dialects in Singapore.
Dear You has drawn a remarkable audience response since its theatrical release in Singapore on June 18. The film's opening weekend box office reached S$460,000. The initial eight Teochew screenings scheduled from June 18 to 21, comprising approximately 4,800 tickets, sold out within two hours of going on sale.
Following MDDI's statement, eight additional Teochew screenings were approved for June 25 to 29, with tickets going on sale at 3 p.m. on June 22. All eight sessions sold out again within approximately 1.5 hours.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
