The independent film *Dear You*, shot in the Teochew language, has rapidly gained popularity throughout Southeast Asia. The film centers on a man’s journey to understand his family history through old remittance letters from Thailand, revealing a story of Chinese migration to the region. It explores themes of cultural preservation and the challenges faced by the Chinese diaspora. However, the film has ignited a debate, with some viewing it as a sensitive portrayal of historical migration patterns and others alleging it serves as Chinese propaganda. Concerns center on the film’s depiction of Chinese contributions to Southeast Asian societies and potential political messaging. The film’s success highlights growing interest in diaspora stories, but also underscores the complexities of historical narratives in the region. A scene depicting a schoolmaster risking arrest has further fueled the controversy.