Chinese Drama 'Dear You' Opens in Thai Cinemas June 6

Soomongkol Films International, Black Dragon Entertainment, and T+66 present the heartwarming Chinese drama "Dear You: A Love Letter to Mother," directed by Lan Hongchun. The film expands on the story of "Letters with Money," following young Xiao Wuyi who travels to Thailand searching for his father after receiving letters with money that were originally sent to his mother in China. His search uncovers hidden secrets in the letters, revealing that the person who wrote love letters to his mother all along was not his father as everyone believed.

This journey gradually reveals stories of love, sacrifice, gratitude, and family bonds, set against Teochew culture and the experiences of overseas Chinese that reflect displacement, homesickness, and memories passed across generations.

The film stars Li Shidong, Wang Yantong, Wu Shaoqing, Wang Xiaohui, Zheng Runqi, and Thai actress Uthsa Semukkam, with special appearances by Zhao Shuguang, Li Deru, and Li Shuhao.

Director Lan Hongchun revealed the origins and inspiration for the film: "I grew up in Teochew, a place where people often emigrated overseas. I heard stories of Kueh Fann (overseas workers) sending money and letters back home—stories that absorbed into me since childhood, along with tales my grandmother shared. The connection to these stories deepened in 2019 when I made a documentary called 'The Four Flavors of Teochew,' telling the settlement stories of overseas Teochew through food. I heard many stories from overseas Chinese that deeply moved me.

Before filming, we conducted extensive research in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Southeast Asian countries, interviewing Teochew Chinese in their 80s and 90s. The depiction of ancient Siam in the film represents the closest approximation to reality, based on their childhood photographs—clothing, hairstyles, all modeled from real data. The sacrifice of characters like 'Namkee' draws over 90% from true stories.

When writing the script, I cried heavily. We want to show the world that the path of Teochew people from the past to today, our cultural prosperity, has been supported partly by ancestors working abroad and sending money home. This bond of gratitude and connection is a precious spirit of Teochew people we wish to convey."

The director also explained his choice of new actors for the lead roles: "We needed to make an authentically Teochew film, so the Teochew dialect had to be accurate and natural—this was paramount. Finding actors who speak traditional Teochew is not easy. We searched extensively across China, but ultimately had to return to authenticity by casting native Teochew locals who grew up here. Whether you see Li Shidong, Wang Yantong, or Wu Shaoqing, everyone in the film feels natural because they truly grew up and live here. When audiences watch, they will feel connected and familiar.