China’s First Teochew Dialect Film Takes off

Opened on 24 August, Mainland ’s first Teochew film “Proud of Me” brought in a mediocre RMB 17.26 million in the first three days. The film’s row piece rate expanded from 0.97% to 1.7%, while the attendance rate reached 31%. Same-day release Marvel’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp” enjoyed an impressive 69% film row piece rate, but its attendance rate only saw 19%. Estimated to close at RMB 30 million, “Proud of Me” reportedly had a budget of RMB 5 million.

“Proud of Me” is an inspiring, light-spirited drama that chronicles the empowering journey of a father-and-son relationship. A significant generational difference has created an unbridgeable rift, which close over time when they team up to build a business together. Primarily filmed in Chaoyang District of , the down-to- earth teen rom-com is juxtaposed with many comedic episodes and local Teochew cultural elements. Although without a glorified cast, and most of the dialogues are in Teochew dialect, “Proud of Me” has garnered rave reviews which fuelled its row piece rate and attendance.

Teochew films are no strangers in the Mainland Chinese cinema. Pearl River Film Studio made Teochew operas, such as “Tale of the Lychee Mirror” and “Farewell to a Warrior”, into films back in the 1960s. China’s first Teochew dialect drama feature, “Proud of Me” has proven that the Chinese authorities are more receptive of dialect films. In fact, productions beyond Putonghua have been on the rise in recent years with films featuring Northern dialects such as Northeastern, Shanxi and Gansu. It would deem unfair that Southern dialects are not allowed. Dialect films will unquestionably add layers to the diversified Chinese culture.