How did the art department recreate the Nanyang era authentically?

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The art department recreated the Nanyang era authentically by doing extensive online research and using Google Street View as a visual reference for period details and street-level settings.

The production team aimed to recreate the look and feel of the Nanyang era “as authentically as possible”. For the poster element, the old textile shop shown was meticulously recreated to resemble an authentic Nanyang streetscape, and the director said he only recently learned the shop was based on a real location in Ipoh. To support that broader authenticity, the art department conducted extensive online research and used Google Street View as a reference.
Online research used to shape the Nanyang-era look
The art department carried out extensive online research as part of the effort to match the Nanyang era’s look and feel. This work sat alongside other production steps, including on-location travel, that the director said helped shape the film’s production, characters and dialogue. The online research was specifically tied to authenticity in visual presentation.
Google Street View used as a reference point
The production team also used Google Street View as a reference during the art department’s recreation process. While the report does not break down which specific Street View locations or features were examined, it places the tool within the same authenticity-focused workflow. The intent was to draw on street-level visual material when recreating Nanyang-era scenes.
The Ipoh textile shop on the poster was recreated in detail
A concrete example of the recreation effort is the old textile shop featured on the film’s poster. The director said the shop was meticulously recreated to resemble an authentic Nanyang streetscape, and he added that the depicted shop was based on a real location in Ipoh. That detail reflects the production team’s focus on matching specific period street imagery.
Authenticity efforts were tied to Malaysia visits during production
The art department’s work was part of a wider production approach that included the director travelling around Malaysia to shape the film. Lan Hongchun made trips in March and April 2023, visiting Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Ketam and Penang, and spending more than two weeks in the country. He said the experience significantly contributed to the authenticity of Dear You, supporting the same overall goal reflected in the art department’s research methods.

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How did the art department recreate the Nanyang era authentically?

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