The severity of the COVID-19 impact on the world at large is unprecedented. Dealing with the unforeseen challenges has taken a significant toll on people all across the world in various sectors and industries. Despite the huge impression left, it has not extinguished the passion within the hearts of our local art enthusiasts.
Although Malaysia has been affected by the outbreak since December 2019, creative juices were still flowing, brilliant ideas still popping and genius minds still grinding – leading to the inception of this never done before mega project.
Presenting for the first time in the history of Malaysian film production, three giant companies – Asia Tropical Films (Matt Lai), The Film Engine (Jack Lim) and Suhan Movies (Datuk Rosyam Nor) – have teamed up with a mission.
Six directors have been recruited under these three production houses. They are nothing short of ordinary as they are A-listers who have produced multiple screenplays that are recognized locally and globally.
Among them are names such as Aziz M. Osman, Yusry Abdul Halim, Kabir Bhatia, Osman Ali, Matt Lai and Eirma
Fatima.
‘BerJUANG-ing’ together with them are 200 art enthusiasts and 100 actors that will wow everyone with this epic
screenplay that was inspired by this pandemic season.
‘JUANG’ which is derived from the word ‘PERJUANGAN’ means to fight. This mega project will feature five stories with
different backgrounds, but highlight how Malaysians especially the frontliners were united in fighting against the
calamity that befell the country.
JUANG proudly presents six film directors and hundreds of art fans who are involved in this project, that serves as a
symbol of solidarity towards the arts industry that has been affected by this pandemic.
“To be able to break the chain of Covid 19 transmission in a short period of time is the success of every Malaysian.
“How did it happen? JUANG will portray how we succeeded in doing so. The collaboration between six great film directors will give you the real insight on the frontliners’ “perJUANGan” (fight),” said Datuk Rosyam Nor.
Meanwhile, Matt Lai mentioned that the idea to create JUANG came up during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, where all Malaysians spent most of their time being at home with their families.
“However, when everyone was staying at home, the frontliners were doing their very best in risking their lives to ensure the safety of civilians.
“We Malaysians are very touched and grateful for the sacrifices made by our peJUANGs.
“Hence, we would like to take the initiative to show how grateful we are towards the commitment of our frontliners by producing this film titled JUANG,” said Matt Lai.
“This is the time for us to unite as we do not want to miss the golden opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our beloved country, Malaysia,” added Matt Lai.
On the other hand, Jack Lim said this mega project is also a token of appreciation to all frontliners that worked hard to care for the well-being of the nation throughout this pandemic that has not been resolved yet.
The pandemic is not a sweet memory to be remembered but it managed to highlight the importance of staying optimistic and united in order to overcome and secure a better life for the future.
“They deserve the respect and recognition from all Malaysians, and documenting all these moments in a film is a
source of pride for us,” said Jack Lim.
Jack also said that the most important thing for the entertainment industry at the moment is for all to unite and move forward in order to contribute in this sector.
Apart from the show stopping A-list directors, this screenplay also features a star studded cast, including Zizan Razak who plays the character Hafiz, Jack
Lim as Lee and Zul Ariffin as Johan.
Will JUANG touch the hearts of every Malaysian? Catch it in theaters in March 2021.