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 China, becoming a word-of-mouth phenomenon. With a modest budget and no major stars, the film's success lies in its powerful storytelling and themes of migration, memory, and intergenerational belonging. The film's international release is a testament to its universal appeal and the growing interest in Chinese cinema worldwide. CMC Pictures, a leading international distributor of Chinese-language films, has a strong track record of handling overseas releases for over 120 titles, including popular series like The Wandering Earth and Ip Man. The deal also includes separate acquisitions by Trinity CineAsia for the U.K., Ireland, and France, and by Damai Entertainment for Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei. The film's success in China, where it has accumulated over $251 million at the local box office, highlights the power of word-of-mouth marketing and the importance of cultural representation in cinema. As Dear You expands its reach to new audiences, it is poised to become a global phenomenon, offering a unique and compelling narrative that resonates with viewers worldwide.
