Chinese box-office hit "Dear You" premiered in the Indonesia capital Jakarta on Wednesday ahead of its nationwide theatrical release, attracting audiences from the political, business, and cultural sectors of both China and Indonesia.
The film, known as "Love Letters to Grandma" in Chinese, was shot entirely in the Chaoshan, or Teochew, dialect. It centers on "qiaopi", a unique form of correspondence that combined letters and remittances sent home by earlier generations of overseas Chinese in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Set against the distinct backdrop of Teochew Chinese culture, the narrative highlights the historic diaspora experience, capturing universal themes of displacement, nostalgia, and memories passed down through generations.
Since its initial April 30 release in the Chinese mainland, the low-budget drama has defied all box-office expectations, grossing over 275 million U.S. dollars.
The Jakarta premiere was met with an enthusiastic response. The film's tender portrayal of the hardship-filled years and the stories behind these historical letters struck a chord with the overseas Chinese community, drawing tears from many in the audience. The movie also offered viewers a richer understanding of traditional Chinese culture and the history of the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia.
"The film not only has a compelling storyline but also showcases the beauty of traditional Chinese culture. For instance, the way of expressing emotions through letters called 'qiaopi' still touches people's hearts to this day. I think it fully deserves its commercial success and glowing reviews in China," an Indonesian film critic told China Media Group (CMG) after watching the film.
Among the distinguished guests at the premiere was Sukmawati Sukarnoputri, daughter of Indonesia's first president Sukarno and a renowned dancer, who attended alongside other Indonesian cultural figures. She shared her thoughts on the film's central theme of loyalty and devotion.
"The trust and faithfulness shown by the two women over the long years, and their commitment to communicating through letters -- it is truly moving," she said.
The film is set to hit cinemas nationwide in Indonesia beginning Friday.
"We will be showing the film in major Indonesian cities, at roughly 50 cinemas, with five daily screenings at each location. We hope to receive a positive response from Indonesian audiences, as we also plan to bring more Chinese films to Indonesia in the future," said Sasha, marketing manager of the Indonesian film distribution company for "Dear You."
The movie has also premiered in several other Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Chinese film 'Dear You' draws tears, praise from Indonesian audience at premiere
