Chinese Box Office Hit 'Dear You' Acquired for U.K., Ireland, and France Theatrical Release
Trinity CineAsia has acquired theatrical rights to 'Dear You,' a Teochew-language Chinese family drama, for release in the U.K., Ireland, and France, with U.K. and Ireland screenings beginning June 26. The low-budget film, made for approximately $2 million with largely non-professional actors, has earned around $250 million in China since its April 30 release — roughly 120 times its production cost. The acquisition highlights growing international appetite for culturally specific Chinese cinema and the film's extraordinary word-of-mouth success.
Trinity CineAsia announced the acquisition of all theatrical rights to 'Dear You' for the U.K., Ireland, and France from producers Hugoeast and Damai Entertainment, with the news breaking on the opening day of the Shanghai International Film Festival. Directed and co-written by Lan Hongchun, a native of China's Chaoshan region, the film follows a debt-ridden young man who travels to Thailand seeking a rumored wealthy grandfather, only to uncover a multigenerational secret spanning two families and decades. Shot on a reported budget of around 14 million RMB (approximately $2 million) with a cast drawn largely from non-professional actors, the film has grossed roughly RMB 1.69 billion ($250 million) in China and is projected to surpass RMB 1.8 billion ($266 million) by the end of its run, making it the country's second-highest-grossing film of 2026. It holds a 9.2 out of 10 score on Douban from more than 700,000 users, placing it among the highest-rated Chinese releases of the past decade. Thai actress Usha Seamkhum, known for 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies,' makes a special appearance reflecting her own Teochew-Thai heritage. The film's wider international rollout begins June 18 across several Asian territories, with North American and Australian releases also expected.
How coverage differed
Both outlets covered the story neutrally, though The Hollywood Reporter provided more granular box office data — including the production budget, day-by-day performance figures, and the broader context of China's box office being down 40 percent year-on-year — while Variety focused more on the distributor's perspective and the film's cultural significance.
What different sources said
- The Hollywood ReporterCenter
China’s Underdog Box Office Phenomenon ‘Dear You’ Lands U.K., France Release
- VarietyCenter
Chinese Hit ‘Dear You’ Set for U.K., Ireland and France Theatrical Release
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