Janna Nick says we have stopped appreciating the frontliners. Photos: Handout
At this point of time when Malaysia has entered the endemic stage, many have forgotten what happened not too long ago.
Actress Janna Nick said that we have stopped appreciating the doctors and nurses – the frontliners who made difficult decisions and sacrifices at the peak of the pandemic, in order to keep Malaysians safe from the threat of Covid-19 virus.
“When we were at our worst, they were the ones who were there for us,” said Janna at a press conference for new movie Juang.
Showing in cinemas now, the film depicts Malaysia’s Covid-19 journey and serves as a reminder of the deeds of those who put their own lives at risk for the sake of others.
In the movie, Janna plays a nurse who works around the clock to save patients but ends up losing some anyway.
“The care from all the doctors and nurses who have no blood relations with the patients is there for us to witness in this movie. It’s how it was in real life as they looked after our health with lots of care,” she continued.
Juang’s executive producer and actor Jack Lim hoped that the film will give the audiences a moment to reflect all the heroic efforts, as well as the many moments of difficulties everyone weathered.
“The film shows that we must appreciate our frontliners and there’s a reason behind their action,” he said.
“If during the pandemic you were angry at the police force for stopping you from moving too much, the film gives a perspective of what they went through as well to enforce that policy.”
In the movie, Lim plays a businessman who is forced to stay in Wuhan, China, due to the global lockdown.
After weeks of missing his family, the businessman is elated when Malaysia decides to send a plane to bring back 113 Malaysians stranded there.
However, the journey to catch the plane proves to be difficult for this passenger as there are many obstacles along his way.
“This is based on a true story,” said Lim. “A plane did go to Wuhan to pick up the Malaysians from there.
“When you think about it, who would want to go there at that time. It’s ground zero of the global pandemic. And we didn’t have vaccines back then.
“But still there were volunteer pilots, flight attendants and medics who were willing to go to Wuhan and bring back the 113 Malaysians. It is a very touching story of what can happen when we unite as one.”
Actor Zizan Razak and Izzue Islam portray two police officers who do their duty no matter what in 'Juang'.
Co-director Aziz M. Osman agreed: “This is the second time I am watching the film and I am still touched by the stories.
“Although I am one of the directors, I feel emotional when watching the film because this is a story that originates from all of us. This is something that we experienced in our lifetime.
“Two of my friends passed away due to Covid-19, and that sense of loss is something that too many of us, unfortunately, share.”
Similarly, actress Vanidah Imran confessed she teared up a few times while watching the movie.
“Participating in this movie, I came to understand just a tiny bit of what our frontliners went through,” she said.
“Wearing PPE during filming was torturous for me. So, I really appreciate all the things that our frontliners went through and the sacrifices they made.”
Actor Zul Ariffin added: “In a movie, there are usually a hero and an antagonist. But in this one, we see how all Malaysians are heroes.”
Juang opened at cinemas nationwide on Sept 8.
