'Hotline Beijing' Film Showcases China's Innovation In Citizen-centred Governance

By Nursyabiha Sukri

BEIJING, Dec 19 (Bernama) --  The screening of the documentary film 'Hotline Beijing', which highlights the swift response to public complaints, has provided audiences a fresh perspective on citizen-centred governance and the innovative urban management practices in China's capital Beijing.

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The 90-minute documentary, which aired on Tuesday in conjunction with the 2024 Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints, has received overwhelming praise from a wide audience, including international delegates.

Former Jordanian Prime Minister Omar Al-Razzaz commended Beijing’s approach, especially how the city has successfully established a transparent mechanism for government-citizen interaction.

“This fosters engagement and enthusiasm for urban governance,” he said.

Charlotte Louise Villiers, a professor and dean at the University of Bristol’s Graduate School of Law, described the documentary as thoughtful and presenting universal issues in a caring way.

"One story that stood out was about the elderly people searching for their elevator. It highlighted the diverse needs within a community and raised the question of how to balance those needs," she said.

The film captures the essence of governance in a megacity, blending an international perspective with a humanistic touch, while conveying the core value of putting people first and creating a better life.

The filming team visited over 40 relevant departments across nine districts in Beijing and interviewed more than 100 staff members engaged in 'Swift Response to Public Complaints'. Production took 10 months to complete.

Beijing has introduced the 12345 Hotline, a 24/7 public service hotline, since 2019 to address people's concerns.

Produced by the Central Newsreel and Documentary Film Studio (Group), the documentary was a collaborative effort involving the Organisation and the Publicity Departments of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, along with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Government Affairs Services and Data Administration.

The two-day forum, which began on Wednesday at the China National Convention Centre, is themed “Modernising for People-Centred Urban Governance”. It showcases global evaluations of urban hotline services, governance success stories, and exemplary urban governance models.

Co-sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China Media Group (CMG), the Beijing Municipal Party Committee, and the Beijing Municipal Government, the forum has brought together global leaders to discuss strategies for improving urban governance and sharing lessons with cities worldwide.

-- BERNAMA