Documentary explores Beijing's citizen service hotline

Hotline Beijing, a documentary film that took 10 months to produce, explores how the Chinese capital — a metropolis of over 20 million people — efficiently handles more than 60,000 complaint calls daily, according to producers at a seminar in Beijing on Thursday.

Based on real-life stories from Beijing's 12345 citizen service hotline over the past six years, the film was released nationwide in theaters on Feb 18.

Xu Jieqin, the chief director, revealed that the crew captured over 280 hours of footage. The film incorporates many authentic citizen calls from the past year, aiming to use its raw cinematography to showcase the progress of urban governance in the modern era, she added.

Deng Guanghui, the executive vice-chairman of the China Film Association, emphasized the sociological significance of the film, highlighting its portrayal of modern China's utilization of ancient wisdom to tackle contemporary societal issues.

Additionally, just as major cities often develop distinct cinematic identities — such as Hong Kong frequently being featured in Hong Kong films — the documentary highlights Beijing's warmth, human-interest stories, and inclusive character.

Lu Liang, deputy director of the China Film Administration, said the film captures vivid details to tell emotional stories, offering an inclusive perspective on people from diverse backgrounds — from locals living in hutong neighborhoods to government employees.