Documentary film 'Hotline Beijing' to air on CCTV-6, streaming platforms

The documentary film "Hotline Beijing" will air during primetime at 6:30 p.m. on July 1 on China Central Television's movie channel (CCTV-6). It will also be streamed simultaneously on iQiyi, Tencent Video, Youku and other online platforms, free for all viewers.

The film chronicles Beijing's reform on the "Swift Response to Public Complaints." Through real stories and sincere emotions, it paints a heartwarming portrait of urban life while showcasing Chinese wisdom in modern city governance.

Since its nationwide theatrical release on February 18, the film has been screened in 350 cities across China, drawing over 1.95 million viewers and grossing more than 80 million yuan (about $11.5 million) at the box office. It now ranks as the third highest-grossing domestic documentary in Chinese film history, breaking box office and attendance records for Chinese documentaries over the past five years.

The film has sparked widespread public empathy and international resonance, earning critical acclaim and achieving cross-cultural impact. Touching audiences with truthful storytelling, it balances policy depth with emotional warmth. International viewers noted that the film provided a clearer lens into contemporary China.

Experts have hailed "Hotline Beijing" not only as a record of urban governance but also as an archival work of enduring academic, social and artistic value. Audiences commented online: "Having dialed 12345 myself, this film rings true. Thank you to all the hardworking staff!"