'Dear You': Ambassador hopes Chinese film's message of family and hope will resonate with Filipinos

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan said the themes of the Chinese box-office hit "Dear You" are expected to resonate strongly with Filipino audiences, particularly with the millions of Overseas Filipino Workers whose lives are also defined by sacrifice, family, and hope.

Speaking during the film’s Philippine premiere and advance screening at the IMAX Theater in SM Mall of Asia last week, Jing said "Dear You" goes beyond the story of migration, portraying universal values that Filipinos can easily relate to.

“The story of the Overseas Chinese is not just about migration and hard work. It is also one of family, faith, and hope. These are emotions that resonate deeply with Filipinos. Today, countless Filipino overseas workers walk a similar path, laboring abroad, sending remittances to support their families, and contributing to their country’s prosperity,” he said.

The ambassador said the experiences depicted in the film mirror the sacrifices made by millions of OFWs who leave their families behind in pursuit of a better future while helping sustain the Philippine economy through remittances.

Directed by Lan Hongchun, "Dear You" is a Chinese family drama set against the backdrop of the Overseas Chinese community. Told through generations of family letters known as qiaopi, the film follows a family’s search for its roots, exploring themes of separation, identity, sacrifice, and enduring family ties across borders. The low-budget production became an unexpected blockbuster in China through strong word of mouth.

Jing also expressed hope that the film would help Filipinos gain a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and values.

“It is my hope that this film will evoke in you a sense of shared emotion, offer you a deeper glimpse into the Chinese soul, and ultimately enable you to better understand our country,” he said.

Dear You will open in Philippine cinemas on August 12, distributed by Pioneer Films, following advance preview screenings in selected IMAX theaters in Metro Manila. — BM, GMA News