Forum: Let people enjoy dialect films in local cinemas
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The article “Here is what I learnt about why Singapore moviegoers head to Johor Bahru cinemas” (Oct 1) highlighted how Mandarin and Cantonese movies are hits with Singapore moviegoers in JB cinemas. They can make up 30 per cent of the audience on weekends, and slightly less on weekdays.
One way to boost cinema attendance here is to lift the restrictions on screening dialect films.
Besides helping the cinema chains, this move would be greatly welcomed, especially by the older population.
Tickets for dialect films screened during special film festivals are frequently sold out quickly.
The screening of dialect films was largely discontinued after the Speak Mandarin Campaign was rolled out in 1979. Since then, the percentage of Chinese residents speaking dialects most frequently at home has been decreasing.
This may be a result of the campaign, and indicates that screening restrictions on dialect films are no longer needed.
Also, most foreign language films are screened in their original language, thus preserving the originality and essence of the films. Dialect films should be treated in the same way and not have to be dubbed in Mandarin.
I hope that, after more than 40 years, Singaporeans who still understand dialects can enjoy dialect films in their local cinemas.
Lee Yim May
