Unveiling the hidden truths: A deep dive into Leni Riefenstahl’s legacy
A controversial figure revisited
Andres Veiel’s documentary, “Riefenstahl”, is set to challenge the carefully crafted public persona of one of Germany’s most controversial directors. This 160-minute film, which delves into Leni Riefenstahl’s previously inaccessible archive, is one of 17 German films featured at the Venice Film Festival. The documentary promises to reveal secrets that the director of the 1935 Nuremberg propaganda film, “Triumph of the Will”, struggled to keep hidden for more than half her life.
Unearthing the past
Veiel was brought on board by producer Sandra Maischberger of Berlin’s Vincent Films, who gained unfettered access to Riefenstahl’s archive after the death of her longtime companion and husband, Horst Kette, in 2016. This access allowed Veiel to create a film that not only explores Riefenstahl’s work but also her apparent complicity in the murder of Jewish men in Poland and her admiration for Hitler.
A festival fit for debate
Veiel believes that the Venice Film Festival is the perfect platform for “Riefenstahl”. He notes the political similarities between Germany and Italy, particularly the rise of right-wing movements and the prevalence of propaganda and fake news. This context makes Venice an ideal venue for a debate about the film.
Echoes of the past in Venice
Riefenstahl’s connection to Venice is not new. She screened several of her films on the Lido in the 1930s, including her two Nazi propaganda films and her first feature, “The Blue Light”. She even had a retrospective on the Lido in the 1950s, a time when she was beginning to distance herself from the Nazis—a persona that, as the documentary shows, was largely built on lies.
A challenging watch
“Riefenstahl” is not an easy film to watch. Veiel succeeds in proving her apparent complicity in the murder of Jewish men in Poland and her admiration for Hitler. Despite this, the film is likely to be a hot ticket in Venice.
Spotlight on the Munich Olympics
Another much-anticipated film at the festival is Tim Fehlbaum’s “September 5”, which is playing in the Horizons Extra competition section. Set during the 1972 Munich Olympics, when Palestinian terrorists killed 11 Israeli athletes and coaches, the film follows the crisis through the broadcast team from ABC sports. It stars Peter Sarsgaard and John Magaro as sports broadcasters who have to switch from covering track and field events to the Israeli athletes’ hostage crisis. The film focuses on how tragic events can challenge the moral compass of journalists covering them.
German co-productions in the spotlight
Two German co-productions are screening in the main competition: Athina Rachel Tsangari’s book adaptation “Harvest” and the Italian-German-U.S. co-production, “Maria” by Pablo Larrain, which tells the story of opera singer Maria Callas.
Looking ahead to Toronto
German films are also heading to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Key features in the lineup include Fabian Stumm’s sophomore film “Sad Jokes”, which is playing as an international premiere in the festival’s Discovery section. The film focuses on the relationship between Joseph and Sonya, who are raising a son together despite their platonic relationship. Things go awry when Sonya has a breakdown, tearing Joseph’s attention away from a new film project and the pain of a breakup with his boyfriend, Marc.
Other German films announced for TIFF include “Edge of Night” by Türker Süer, “Seven Days” by Ali Samadi Ahadi, and “The Sunset Special 2” by Nicolas Gebbe.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
For cinema enthusiasts, the Venice Film Festival and TIFF offer a rich tapestry of films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and debate. The inclusion of documentaries like “Riefenstahl” and historical dramas like “September 5” highlights the power of cinema to explore complex and often uncomfortable truths. These films serve as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the role of filmmakers in challenging narratives and uncovering hidden histories.
Explore more
- Riefenstahl
- Triumph of the Will
- The Blue Light
- September 5
- Harvest
- Maria
- Sad Jokes
- Edge of Night
- Seven Days
- The Sunset Special 2
By diving into these films, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts that shape our world today.