Semmelweis (2023)

This film revisits the figure of the Hungarian doctor known as "the saviour of mothers." Set in 19th century Vienna, it tells the story of Ignac Semmelweis, the passionate Hungarian doctor, who delivers babies and carries out autopsies on a daily basis whilst looking for the cause of puerperal fever, the mysterious epidemic that has hit patients in the hospital. When Semmelweis discovers the cause and prevention of childbed fever, half of his peers discredit him, yet he carries on with the fight to prove his theory. He drastically reduced mortality from postpartum infections by urging obstetricians to disinfect their hands. The legendary cinematographer Lajos Koltai directs this story, in the best tradition of classical cinema bringing alive the story of an extraordinary man defying all odds in his quest for knowledge and justice.