The documentary film "Hotline Beijing", which focuses on the city's "Swift Response to Public Complaints" mechanism, will be broadcast during the prime time slot (starting at 18:30) on July 1 on CCTV Movie Channel (CCTV-6). The film will be simultaneously released on online platforms including iQIYI, Tencent Video and Youku, where users can watch it free of charge.
Through real-life stories and sincere narratives with genuine emotions, the film unveils Beijing's efforts in reforming the "Swift Response to Public Complaints" mechanism. It is a video record of contemporary urban governance, presenting a vibrant tapestry of everyday life brimming with warmth and highlighting China's unique wisdom in urban governance. Since its nationwide theatrical release on February 18 this year across 350 cities in China, the film has recorded over 1.95 million views and grossed over CNY 80 million at the box office, ranking third in domestic documentary in China's film history while simultaneously breaking both the box office and attendance records for Chinese documentaries over the past five years. Commentators from different sectors said that the film resonates with its audience through non-fiction narratives, blending depth of policies with emotional warmth to become a phenomenal work among all documentaries. Netizens acclaimed that this film "delivers both humor and tears through moving plots and vivid character portrayals," praising its "captivating soundtracks and immersive pacing." The film has also won viewers' hearts for "featuring neither extravagant special effects nor superb acting — only plain facts." Many viewers who had perceived it as a highly "official" film at first ended up being moved by the narratives. In netizens' views, films "like this reflect social reality and possess enduring vitality", and the film "underscores the grand topic of serving the people through lighthearted positivity". Viewers who had dialed the 12345 hotline found the film "strikingly realistic" and had kudos for the hardworking staff workers for the "genuine dedication they have and the painstaking efforts they have made". The film has been even lauded as "an exceptional documentary that replaces lofty slogans with everyday language to tell ordinary people's own stories."