Venice Film Festival: Unveiling hidden truths and cinematic gems
A fresh perspective on Leni Riefenstahl
Andres Veiel’s documentary, Riefenstahl, delves into the enigmatic life of one of Germany’s most controversial directors, Leni Riefenstahl. Known for her association with Nazi propaganda, Riefenstahl’s legacy is a complex tapestry of artistic brilliance and moral ambiguity. This 160-minute film, premiering at the Venice Film Festival, promises to unravel the secrets she fought to keep hidden.
Veiel, brought on board by producer Sandra Maischberger of Berlin’s Vincent Films, gained unprecedented access to Riefenstahl’s archives following the death of her husband, Horst Kette, in 2016. The director believes Venice is the ideal venue for the film’s debut, given the current political climate in Germany and Italy, which mirrors the rise of right-wing ideologies and the spread of propaganda.
“For me, it is the right festival for the film,” Veiel asserts. “The political situation in Germany and Italy is similar – with the rise of the right-wing, and a longing for propaganda and fake news. For a debate about the film, it is one of the best festivals for us.”
Riefenstahl’s history with Venice is storied; she screened several films at the festival in the 1930s, including her infamous Nazi propaganda pieces. The documentary Riefenstahl is expected to be a hot ticket, as it exposes her complicity in the atrocities of the era and her admiration for Hitler.
Tim Fehlbaum’s ‘September 5’: A gripping historical drama
Another highly anticipated film at the festival is Tim Fehlbaum’s September 5, which is part of the Horizons Extra competition. This film, starring Peter Sarsgaard and John Magaro, centers on the Munich Summer Olympics of 1972. It follows the ABC sports reporting team as they transition from covering athletic events to reporting on the Israeli athletes’ hostage crisis. The film explores the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists during such tragic events.
Horizons section: Diverse narratives
The Horizons section features a variety of compelling stories. Happy Holidays by Scandar Copti tells the tale of a Palestinian woman whose double life is exposed after a car accident in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Quiet Life, directed by Alexandros Avranas, focuses on a family of asylum seekers in Sweden whose dreams are shattered when their application is denied.
Main competition: International collaborations
Two German co-productions are vying for top honors in the main competition. Harvest, directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari, is adapted from a prize-winning book about an English village that seems to exist outside of time and space. The village’s mysterious disappearance forms the crux of the narrative. Additionally, Maria, an Italian-German-U.S. co-production by Pablo Larrain, chronicles the life of opera singer Maria Callas.
Looking ahead: German films at the Toronto Film Festival
German cinema continues to make waves beyond Venice, with several films slated for the Toronto Film Festival. Fabian Stumm’s sophomore film, Sad Jokes, will have its international premiere in the Discovery section. The film explores the relationship between Joseph and Sonya, who are co-parenting a son despite their platonic relationship. The plot thickens when Sonya experiences a breakdown, diverting Joseph’s attention from his new film project and the pain of his breakup with his ex-boyfriend, Marc.
Other notable German films at Toronto include Edge of Night by Türker Süer, Seven Days by Amil Samadi Ahadi, and The Sunset Special 2 by Nicolas Gebbe.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
For those passionate about cinema, the Venice Film Festival offers a rich tapestry of narratives that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought. The festival is not just a showcase of films but a reflection of our times, mirroring societal issues and historical events through the lens of art. Whether it’s the moral complexities explored in Riefenstahl or the ethical dilemmas in September 5, these films provide a platform for critical discourse and introspection.
For more information and to watch trailers, visit the following links:
- Riefenstahl
- September 5
- Happy Holidays
- Quiet Life
- Harvest
- Maria
- Sad Jokes
- Edge of Night
- Seven Days
- The Sunset Special 2
The Venice Film Festival continues to be a beacon for filmmakers and audiences alike, offering a space where stories from around the world converge, each with the power to enlighten and entertain.