The Chinese film titled 'White Heroes,' which depicts the period of lockdown in the city of Wuhan during the COVID-19 pandemic, was not shown in cinemas on the scheduled date despite having been previously announced. The premiere was set for November 6th, six years after filming and after generating discussions on social media.
Chinese ticketing platforms, Taopiaopiao and Maoyan, did not list screenings for the feature, and those responsible for the production did not publicly communicate the reasons for this apparent postponement.
The project was directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Herman Yau and stars Andy Lau and Chinese actress Yang Zishan. The film narrates the 76 days of isolation in Wuhan, which occurred between January and April 2020, focusing on the experiences of healthcare professionals, patients, and residents who dealt with the consequences of the emergence of the new coronavirus.
The absence of tickets caused confusion among users of the Taopiaopiao platform, who began commenting and questioning the production's status. Some expressed surprise at the cancellation, while others voiced support, defending the importance of watching the film regardless of criticism.
On the other hand, other users raised doubts about the relevance of revisiting a period that is still very difficult for a segment of the population. The trailer, released on October 17th along with the premiere announcement, showed scenes of overcrowded hospitals, circulation restrictions, lack of supplies, and families separated due to isolation measures.
Filming was completed in December 2020, shortly after the end of the lockdown, but the reasons why the production remained out of cinemas for six years were never revealed. The initial premiere announcement had already sparked divided opinions on Chinese social media, with some rejecting the idea of reliving those difficulties and others defending the memory of those who faced the health emergency.
It is important to note that Wuhan was under lockdown for 76 days in early 2020, being one of the first and strictest isolation measures adopted during the pandemic. This measure preceded China's 'zero-COVID' policy, characterized by collective lockdowns, border closures, extensive PCR testing, and mandatory quarantines, which lasted until the end of 2022.
