Riefenstahl" von Andres Veiel: The Idol Called Her His "Paradefrau"

The New Documentary Explores the Life and Work of One of the Most Notorious Filmmakers of All Time.

Leni Riefenstahl: The Woman Behind the Camera

Leni Riefenstahl was a German filmmaker who is best known for her work during the Nazi era. She was born in Berlin in 1902, and she began her career as a dancer and actress. In the 1930s, she turned to filmmaking, and she quickly became one of the most successful directors in Germany.

Riefenstahl's films were often praised for their technical brilliance and their powerful visual imagery. However, they were also controversial due to their pro-Nazi content. Her most famous film, "Triumph of the Will" (1935), is a documentary about the 1934 Nazi Party rally in Nuremberg. The film was a major propaganda success for the Nazis, and it helped to consolidate their power.

The Controversy Surrounding Riefenstahl

Riefenstahl's work has been the subject of much debate and controversy over the years. Some critics have accused her of being a Nazi collaborator, and they have argued that her films helped to promote the Nazi ideology.

Other critics have defended Riefenstahl's work, arguing that she was simply a talented filmmaker who was caught up in the events of her time. They have also pointed out that she was not a member of the Nazi Party, and that she did not have any control over the way her films were used by the Nazis.

Riefenstahl's Legacy

Leni Riefenstahl died in 2003 at the age of 101. She remains a controversial figure, but her work continues to be studied and debated by film historians and scholars.

Andres Veiel's new documentary, "Riefenstahl," takes a fresh look at the life and work of this complex and enigmatic woman. The film features interviews with Riefenstahl herself, as well as with her friends, family, and colleagues.

Veiel's film is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of Riefenstahl's legacy. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in the history of film, the Nazi era, or the complex relationship between art and politics.