As we’ve talked about previously, the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has had a number of interesting pop culture impacts over the weeks. Perhaps the most obvious is the fact that Steven Soderbergh’s 2011 film, “Contagion,” has become one of the most-watched films of 2020, as the movie’s depiction of a global pandemic is eerily similar to what the world is experiencing right now.
And with the popularity of his film at an all-time high, the filmmaker has teamed with the very same experts that helped him craft the film to help spread quality information about COVID-19 and how everyone can contribute to ending this pandemic.
The cast and crew of the film have partnered with scientists from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, regarded as one of the preeminent schools of public health, to provide some PSAs about how to help do your part during this global pandemic. The issues covered in the PSAs are similar to others that have been provided, talking about social distancing and proper handwashing techniques. However, there is also the focus on how to combat misinformation, in this era where social media and, yes, even our world leaders are prone to spread misleading news and fake science.
READ MORE: Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Contagion’ Is Especially Sobering In Light Of Current Events
Joining Soderbergh and writer Scott Z. Burns (who are expected to have PSAs released soon) are actors Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Kate Winslet, and Jennifer Ehle. More folks involved with the film are expected to provide additional PSAs in the days to come.
It’s important to understand that the PSAs may very well be filmed by the actors themselves (or in Winslet’s case, her husband), but they’ve all been written under the supervision of the same experts who worked on the film Contagion: Dr. Larry Brilliant, Mark Smolinski, Laurie Garrett, and Dr. W. Ian Lipkin of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. For Dr. Lipkin, the importance of these PSAs is paramount, as the expert has recently revealed (via FOX Business) that he tested positive for the coronavirus.
READ MORE: Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Contagion’ Spikes In Popularity In Wake Of Coronavirus Outbreaks
You can watch the first selection of PSAs below. And if you want more detailed information about the pandemic and how to help, you can visit the Control the Contagion website.
Update: Marion Cotillard has also joined the cast and created her own PSA.