‘Dear You’ and the sacrifices familiar to OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — The title of the film, “Dear You,” may easily pertain to a love story between a couple. Yet, “Dear You” is actually a tear-jerking family drama directed and co-written by Lan Hongchun.

Shot primarily in the Chaoshan dialect, the Chinese indie film impressively stars a largely non-professional cast. The director reportedly spent three years researching this film, interviewing nearly 300 overseas Chinese families from Southeast Asia, the Americas and Europe.

The period film is spoken primarily in Teochew, including the letters in the narrative thread. It employs the early and long tradition of qiaopi remittance letters and money sent home by Chinese migrants working overseas. There were no telegrams yet and instant short messages were unheard of — just snail mail that took forever to reach its recipient, even when sending money and letters.

‘Dear You’ is actually a tear-jerking family drama directed and co-written by Lan Hongchun. Shot primarily in the Chaoshan dialect, the Chinese indie film impressively stars a largely non-professional cast. The director reportedly spent three years researching this film, interviewing nearly 300 overseas Chinese families from Southeast Asia, the Americas and Europe.

Set between Thailand and southern China, “Dear You” tells the story of the overseas Chinese experience, exploring universal themes of family, filial piety, migration, sacrifice, resilience, forgiveness and hope. Its quiet emotional power has resonated deeply with audiences across Asia and beyond.

The film has also earned international recognition. Britain’s The Guardian praised its engaging storytelling, authentic performances and rich historical atmosphere, while Singapore’s The Straits Times described “Dear You” as China’s surprise blockbuster and “a love letter to the Nanyang generation,” highlighting its poignant portrayal of migration, identity and enduring family ties.

The period film is spoken primarily in Teochew, including the letters in the narrative thread. It employs the early and long tradition of qiaopi remittance letters and money sent home by Chinese migrants working overseas.

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), led by its president Victor Lim, sponsored the recent special advance screening of “Dear You” at the SM Mall of Asia IMAX Theater.

Lim said the film’s timeless themes resonate strongly with millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), whose sacrifices continue to sustain both their loved ones and the Philippine economy.

Paying tribute to the country’s “heroic OFWs,” he noted that their annual remittances of approximately $38 billion remain a vital pillar of the nation’s economy while reflecting the enduring Filipino values of hard work, resilience and selfless love for family.

The “Dear You” plot revolves around a debt-ridden grandson, Xiaowei, who travels to Thailand to track down his estranged “millionaire” grandfather. The latter fled during the war and never returned — only for Xiaowei to discover that the man is long dead and that the letters his grandmother received for decades were mysteriously written by a stranger.

What initially started as a search for money instead leads Xiaowei to unearth buried memories and uncover a multi-decade story of love, sacrifice and qiaopi remittance letters.

Not readily familiar to non-Chinese viewers, qiaopi was richly used in “Dear You,” not just as a mere historical and sentimental keepsake, but as an economic timeline that sustained Chinese families for generations — from the early 19th century until the late ‘70s.

The lean cast features Li Sitong, Wang Yantong, Wu Shaoqing, Zheng Runqi and Wang Xiaohui, with Thai actress Usha Seamkhum also appearing.

Released successfully last April in Southeast Asia despite a modest budget, “Dear You” achieved massive viral and box-office success. The film now comes to Manila and hits local theaters starting Aug. 12. Pioneer Films, a Philippine film distribution company founded by Wilson Yuloque in 1990, will release “Dear You” in Philippine cinemas.

Meanwhile, the FFCCCII reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to promoting cultural understanding, education and people-to-people friendship through the advance Philippine screenings of “Dear You.”

Lim underscored FFCCCII’s enduring mission of fostering sustainable development, educational advancement, cultural exchange and international goodwill.

“Few art forms possess the universal power of cinema. A meaningful film can transcend language and borders, awaken empathy and remind us that while our histories may differ, our hopes, our sacrifices and our love for family are wonderfully alike,” he said.

“That is why we are delighted to present ‘Dear You,’ a remarkable film that has touched audiences across Asia.

“For many in the Filipino-Chinese community, this story also stirs cherished memories of our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers who journeyed far from home to build better futures while faithfully supporting loved ones left behind. Their sacrifices became the foundation upon which many of our families stand today.

“In a world too often divided by misunderstanding and conflict, stories like ‘Dear You’ remind us that our common humanity is infinitely greater than our differences. Through culture, compassion and dialogue, we build bridges of friendship that can endure for generations.”

The evening’s screening was also a celebration of cultural exchange and of the enduring friendship between the Philippines and China.

“Every story we share, every film we watch together and every conversation we begin through the arts helps build bridges of understanding, mutual respect and lasting friendship between our peoples,” Lim said.

Distinguished attendees at the special screenings included Chinese diplomat Minister Counsellor Zhou Zhiyong of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and Chinese General Hospital medical director and top oncologist Dr. Samuel Ang.

Business leaders were among the guests as well, such as Zesto juice founder and Philippine Business Bank chairman Alfredo Yao, activist and civic leader Teresita Ang See, guests from the Filipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation and FFCCCII officials.

Among the celebrity guests were award-winning director Chito Roño, actor Robert Seña, actress Isay Alvarez and singer-actor Gerald Santos.

Gerald said the film had many touching scenes that moved him to tears. “I just didn’t notice, but I was crying already,” he said. “I couldn’t help it. All the elements were there. It will make you laugh, you will get thrilled, you will fall in love, but most of all, your heart will be touched.”

Like in the film, family means everything to Gerald. “To the point that we sacrifice everything for our family,” he said. “The girl knows how deeply she loves her husband, but he makes his sacrifices. His love is pure and loyal. That was the turning point of the film for me. I’ve done many sacrifices for my family, ever since and even until now.”

The singer-actor believes Filipinos can make a similar or even better film than “Dear You.”

Meanwhile, Gerald is starring in the biopic “Liwanag at Dilim: Heneral Emilio Jacinto,” directed by Rommel Ramilo, which is being eyed for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) this December.