A first film on the coronavirus pandemic has been shot

“Corona” was initially destined to air on the festival circuit, but director Mostafa Keshvari is now seeking streaming play. Image: Courtesy of GrandMuse Pictures LTD via AFP Relaxnews

Given how the COVID-19 has impacted the lives of billions of people across the planet, it was only a matter of time until a story about the virus reached the world of film. Now The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that the first film about the infectious disease is already ready for release. Shot by Canadian director Mostafa Keshvari, “Corona” tells of the fear and racism inspired by the pandemic.

“The idea came to me when I was in an elevator reading news about Chinese tourists being attacked, and I thought I’m going to make a movie in an elevator,” explained Keshvari.

“Corona” tells the story of a group of neighbors trapped in an elevator at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. Six members of the group soon begin to suspect a seventh Chinese neighbor of being an infectious carrier of the disease. Along with the Chinese neighbor, the group, which has to contend with the lack of space in the elevator, includes a black elevator repairman, a young female millennial, a wheelchair-bound white supremacist, a pregnant woman, the building owner and an unfortunate tenant who is overwhelmed by debt.

Shot last month in Vancouver, Canada, the film was largely completed before the outbreak of the coronavirus was finally reclassified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, points out The Hollywood Reporter. Commenting on the realistic tone of the drama, the director remarks that he encouraged his actors to improvise for the film, which was also shot in a single take.

“It was then known as the Chinese virus, but now everyone can have it, so it’s not just one race’s problem. Now the human race has to come together to defeat the virus,” points out the Canadian director, who adds, “The virus doesn’t discriminate, so why should we?”

Keshvari initially planned to show “Corona” on the festival circuit, but the Canadian director is now seeking a streaming release. However, no specific release date has been announced for the moment. RGA

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