Leni Riefenstahl made documentaries for Hitler
6 days ago
- #Leni Riefenstahl
- #Nazi propaganda
- #documentary
- Leni Riefenstahl, Hitler's personal filmmaker, is the subject of a new documentary by Andres Veiel.
- Riefenstahl's films, like 'Triumph of the Will' and 'Olympia,' were Nazi propaganda pieces that won awards.
- Despite her association with the Nazi regime, Riefenstahl was never formally convicted of complicity in their crimes.
- Post-war, Riefenstahl maintained her innocence, claiming ignorance of Nazi atrocities while focusing on 'beauty' in her work.
- Veiel's documentary uses Riefenstahl's archives, including tapes and photographs, to explore her controversial legacy.
- Riefenstahl's later work, including photographs of the Nuba people, reflects a continued obsession with racialized beauty.
- The documentary reveals Riefenstahl's defiant attitude towards accusations of Nazism, showing her resentment and denial.
- Riefenstahl's public appearances, like a talk show ambush, highlight Germany's struggle with its Nazi past.
- Veiel's film ultimately portrays Riefenstahl as a symbol of Germany's unresolved national shame.