IMDA approves 100 more screenings of Dear You in Teochew; reviewing film classification framework

Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has greenlit an extra 100 screenings for the Teochew version of the film "Dear You." This decision brings the total approved screenings to 272, with the government indicating a willingness to approve even more if audience demand warrants.

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We recognise that the circumstances have changed since the guidelines were first introduced. There is therefore scope to consider how we can expand the space for dialects, while continuing to uphold the importance of Mandarin.

Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How addressed parliamentary questions regarding the IMDA's earlier approval of a Mandarin-dubbed version of the film. He explained that while IMDA's guidelines have historically promoted Mandarin as a primary language, the agency has "exercised greater flexibility to allow more dialect content in films" to reflect Singapore's changing linguistic landscape.

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For cinemas, we are prepared to allow more screenings of dialect-language films, so as to provide audiences with greater access to such content.

Tan noted that IMDA already permits unrestricted screenings of films with significant dialect use, citing examples like "881," "Long Long Time Ago," and "Wonderland." He also pointed out that dialect restrictions do not apply to arts performances or online content. However, he affirmed the government's belief that Mandarin should remain the main language for free-to-air television and radio.

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We appreciate the feedback from members and will carefully consider what further steps are appropriate.

The film "Dear You" initially opened with Mandarin-dubbed screenings on June 18, with its original Teochew version limited to festivals. The IMDA's subsequent flexible approach and additional approvals followed public debate about the role of Chinese dialects in Singapore.

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the authorities will take a more “flexible approach” in considering applications for the screenings of dialect films in cinemas and remain open to further Teochew screenings of Dear You if the distributor applies.