“Riefenstahl” – A New Look at the Life and Legacy of a Controversial Filmmaker

Leni Riefenstahl looking through the lens of a large camera prior to filming the 1934 Nuremberg Rally.

Fotografie von Leni Riefenstahl (1902–2003), deutsche Filmregisseurin, Produzentin, Drehbuchautorin, Cutterin, Fotografin, Schauspielerin und Tänzerin. Riefenstahl blickt durch das Objektiv einer Großbildkamera, kurz bevor sie den Reichsparteitag 1934 in Nürnberg filmt. Aufgenommen im Jahr 1934. (Foto: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Credit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty

Even more than 20 years after her death, Leni Riefenstahl remains controversial. Andres Veiel's documentary sheds light on her role in the Nazi regime using previously unpublished archival materials from 700 boxes of estate — including private films, letters and sound recordings — and takes a new look at the director's self-portrayal as an “apolitical artist.”

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Published 29 April 2025 5:47pm

Updated 1 May 2025 4:27pm

By Benjamin Kanthak

Presented by Benjamin Kanthak

Source: SBS

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Even more than 20 years after her death, Leni Riefenstahl remains controversial. Andres Veiel's documentary sheds light on her role in the Nazi regime using previously unpublished archival materials from 700 boxes of estate — including private films, letters and sound recordings — and takes a new look at the director's self-portrayal as an “apolitical artist.”

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Andres Veiel (C) Carsten Kampf (1).jpg — Auch mehr als zwanzig Jahre nach ihrem Tod sorgt die Diskussion um die deutsche Filmemacherin Leni Riefenstahl weiterhin für Kontroversen. Ein neuer Dokumentarfilm von Andres Veiel, "Riefenstahl", hat diese Debatte erneut entfacht.

The Film is part of this years German Film Festival.

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