China's fight against COVID-19 has been told, retold, politicized, scrutinized and celebrated since the coronavirus first made itself known. And now, the story is going to be made into a movie as producers turn to the scientist who led the battle against not one but two outbreaks for pointers and insider advice.

In May, Chinese film production and distribution company Bona Film Group revealed that it is planning to shoot a movie about how the country took on the coronavirus outbreak. Details have been scarce since the announcement, but more is coming to surface after a meeting between the company's Chairman Yu Dong and pulmonologist Zhong Nanshan last week.

Zhong became a household name in 2003 in China for his role in the fight against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, which earned him the nickname "SARS hero." When the coronavirus emerged late last year, the respiratory disease expert took on the mantle of a government-appointed team of scientists to help contain the outbreak, advising authorities on how to best manage the public health crisis.

The 83-year-old became the go-to source for information, insight and answers about how the epidemic situation is developing in the country and what actions are being taken to stymie the spread of the virus. Now, Bona Film Group is enlisting the help of the epidemiologist to turn China's COVID-19 control achievements into an authentic and compelling story worthy of the silver screen.

A lot has been said about China's anti-epidemic measures as the battle grabbed international headlines, drawing cheers from some and jeers from others. Zhong believes the upcoming film should show the human side of the story to cut through the political noise.

"Some foreign friends still have some misunderstandings about China," he said in the meeting, adding that there have been attempts to politicize the health issue and expressed hope that the production could adopt a human perspective.

"It is necessary to move the audience with real humanistic spirit in a way that can be understood by both domestic and foreign audiences," he noted, stressing the importance of giving people outside China the chance to watch the work once it's out.

And while Zhong's name became synonymous with China's epidemic prevention and control measures, the expert said doctors and nurses who worked in silence day and night should also be consulted by the production team.

"I hope you will not only interview some of the famous experts, but also more of the medical staff who are toiling on the frontlines," he said.

And while Zhong's filmmaking expertise is arguably not as robust as his medical skills, the scientist has his own vision of what the movie should look like.

"After so many years, the film that impressed me the most after China's reform and opening-up was 'People at Their Middle Ages'," he said, referring to the 1982 movie about the dedication and life experience of a middle-aged ophthalmologist at a Beijing hospital.

"Many of my foreign doctor friends were crying when they watched it. If the film about the fight against COVID-19 can do that, it will be great."

Zhong also mentioned the 2019 hits "My People, My Country" and "The Captain," which he said successfully managed to tell a big-picture story through the eyes of ordinary people.

With the pandemic still wreaking havoc around the world, Zhong highlighted the importance of giving people a reason to smile or something to help them process their emotions.

"The pandemic has not been effectively controlled. This has a greater impact on people's psychology than on their bodies. What we need now is a morale booster or psychological counseling."

But Zhong is optimistic about the prospects of the global fight against the invisible enemy. "I believe people are always smarter than viruses."

The film's cast has yet to be announced, but it's believed that director Andrew Lau, who was present at the meeting, will helm the movie.

(Cover image from CFP)