Dear You, the Teochew-dialect family drama that has become one of China’s biggest theatrical stories of 2026, is heading to North America, Australia, and New Zealand after CMC Pictures secured the theatrical distribution rights. This marks a significant milestone for the film, which has already achieved remarkable success in its home country. With a modest budget and no major stars, the film's word-of-mouth success in China is a testament to its powerful storytelling and cultural resonance. The film's themes of migration, memory, and intergenerational belonging are universal and relatable, which has likely contributed to its widespread appeal. The acquisition by CMC Pictures, a leading international distributor of Chinese-language films, further solidifies the film's global reach. The film's international launch in Australia and New Zealand on June 25, followed by a North America launch on June 26, is a strategic move to capitalize on the film's growing popularity and reach a wider audience. The film's success in China, where it has accumulated more than $251 million at the local box office, is a strong indicator of its potential for international success. The film's use of the Teochew dialect and its focus on the cultural history of qiaopi, the letters and remittances exchanged between overseas Chinese migrants and their families, adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the story. The film's cast, including Li Sitong, Wang Yantong, Wu Shaoqing, Zheng Runqi, and Wang Xiaohui, as well as Thai actor Usha Seamkhum, brings a diverse range of talent to the screen. CMC Pictures' previous successes with films like The Wandering Earth, Ne Zha, Detective Chinatown, Successor, Lost in the Stars, and the Ip Man series, further validate their expertise in handling Chinese-language films. The deal with CMC Pictures follows separate acquisitions by Trinity CineAsia and Damai Entertainment, which cover the U.K., Ireland, France, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei. These acquisitions demonstrate the growing interest in Chinese cinema worldwide and the increasing demand for diverse and culturally rich films. The international distribution of Dear You is a significant step forward for Chinese cinema, showcasing the power of storytelling and cultural exchange. It also highlights the potential for Chinese films to resonate with audiences beyond their own borders, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and history.
