From Thursday onward, the film titled Semmelweis will be showcased in Hungarian cinemas; a creation helmed by director Lajos Koltai, delving into the story of Ignác Semmelweis, the 19th-century physician hailed as ‘the saviour of mothers.’ The lead roles in this production are portrayed by Miklós H. Vecsei and Katica Nagy.
Set against the backdrop of 1847, the film conjures the ambiance of 19th-century Vienna, depicting life in a contemporary hospital, along with the tensions existing between Austrian and Hungarian physicians. Producer Tamás Lajos, speaking at the film’s Monday press conference in Budapest, recalled the circumstance of the genesis of the project. He revealed that the idea was proposed approximately two years ago by his friend, József Vida. Lajos underscored a personal connection to the narrative, citing his grandfather’s role as a physician at the obstetrics clinic in Pécs, where he spent much of his childhood.
In an interview with MTI, Lajos emphasized the significance of a life story intertwined with scientific discovery, asserting its cinematic merit and the conducive environment provided by the support of the National Film Institute (NFI). He highlighted the meticulous attention to authenticity throughout the scriptwriting and filming processes, with experts overseeing the production to ensure historical fidelity. The shooting commenced last summer, lasting 55 days, followed by an extensive post-production phase. The producer lauded cinematographer Lajos Koltai, praising his unwavering commitment to perfection. The filming was conducted in an atmosphere of affection, devoid of conflicts, and marked by empathy towards the actors and crew, Lajos stressed.
Tamás Lajos reported positive feedback thus far, highlighting the enthusiasm generated among secondary school teachers who, following a screening organized for them, indicated that some 3,000 students would be interested in seeing the film. The producer disclosed that
there are ongoing negotiations with international streaming services, expressing optimism regarding the film’s success abroad.
Actors Miklós H. Vecsei and Katica Nagy shared their positive experiences during the selection process, emphasizing the constructive atmosphere fostered through encounters and discussions. Katica Nagy acknowledged the emotional challenges faced during filming but praised the director’s support and love, providing the necessary energy.
The fictional romantic thread, as explained by Nagy, was incorporated to enhance the story’s likability and relatability. Vecsei discussed the emotional weight of the narrative, particularly during key scenes, highlighting the director’s commitment authenticity. The working title of the film was revealed as The Invisible Killer, initially conceived as a detective story but evolved into a narrative centred around saving lives.
Produced with the support of the National Film Institute and crafted by the Supermodern Film Studio, Semmelweis is a 127-minute biographical drama. The screenplay is the work of Balázs Maruszki and Anett Kormos, with Krisztina Goda as the dramaturge, Pater Sparrow as the production designer, and Györgyi Szakács as the costume designer. András Nagy served as cameraman, with the musical composition by Attila Pacsay, editing by Zoltán Kovács, and production by Tamás Lajos and József Vida.
Sources: Hungarian Conservative/MTI
