A film featuring the struggles and sacrifices of the national front liners in dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic will soon be available for audience on the Astro First Exclusive channel.

The television film (FTV) titled Frontliner will feature big names such as Azhan Rani, Beto Kusyairy, Farah Ahmad, Wan Maimunah and Achey as the main leads.

Interestingly, Frontliner not only highlights issues related to the challenges in the tasks they have to face, but also internal conflicts that many may not be aware of.

"We do not want to display them in the field of work because the matter is already known to many. So, we choose to show internal conflicts such as with the family as that is what people do not know and may not understand.

"So, we get friends who really work as the front liners for us to know what the real story is behind what we see. In general, it can be said that this film is inspired by the true story," said director Razif Rashid.

"What the front liner goes through is much more challenging than ours. What they go through every day is very risky.

"We may find it difficult not to go out and work, but some of them cannot go home at all, have to sleep in the hospital, do not get enough sleep, eat and drink erratically, even time to use the phone is limited due to their busy tasks.

"So, I hope this film will inject repentance into us and rid us of of selfishness," said one of its main stars, Azhan Rani, who plays the role of Dr Azhan.

The filming of the film went on for almost two weeks in mid-August and was carried out in strict compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

"Carrying out filming according to the SOP is a challenge but thankfully we could do it. In fact, we have also appointed a special production assistant to monitor SOP compliance and anyone who fails to comply, will be fined.

"This is not just made to meet the rules, but by being aware that COVID-19 is very dangerous and we each have a role to play in controlling its spread," said Razif.

They were met at the film's soft launch ceremony in the capital, on Thursday.

Frontliner, produced by production company D'Alphalegacy Sdn Bhd, will be screened on Astro First Exclusive channel 480 this October.

Further details on the release date and ways to subscribe will be announced later.