‘Dear You’ Director Credits Overseas Chinese Letter-Writing Tradition for Sleeper Hit’s Emotional Power

Director Lan Hongchun stated at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival that the film "Dear You" derives its emotional resonance from qiaopi, a tradition of family correspondence and financial transfers between overseas Chinese and their relatives in China. This tradition, he explained, forms the emotional core of the sleeper hit, which has become a significant talking point in the Chinese film industry this year. The film's success highlights the enduring impact of these personal connections and exchanges on cultural narratives. "Dear You" has resonated with audiences by tapping into a deeply ingrained cultural practice that fosters a sense of continuity and familial bond across geographical distances. The director's insights underscore the importance of cultural authenticity in storytelling and its ability to connect with a broad audience on an emotional level. The film's narrative structure and character development are intrinsically linked to the themes of separation, longing, and the maintenance of family ties through written communication and financial support, reflecting the lived experiences of many Chinese families.