Riefenstahl

Local title
Riefenstahl
Director
Andres Veiel
Country
Germany
Year
2024
Programme
Kumu Documentary, In Focus: Germany
Genre
Historical film
Subject
art, historical personas, politics

This film delves into the artistic legacy and complex moral standing of Leni Riefenstahl, one of the most controversial women of the 20th century. With unprecedented access to 700 boxes of her personal estate, opened for the first time, the documentary contrasts her self-portrayal as an apolitical visionary with evidence suggesting a deeper awareness of the Nazi regime’s atrocities.

Famous for “Triumph of the Will”, Riefenstahl lived to the age of 101, spending decades denying her ties to Nazi ideology. The film asks: Was she a visionary, a manipulator, or simply a liar? Through never-before-seen insights, the film explores her struggle to redefine her legacy, offering a fascinating and intimate portrait of the woman behind the camera.

Introduction by Professor of Documentary Film, Tallinn University BFM Riho Västrik.

Director
Andres Veiel
Screenwriter
Andres Veiel
Cast
Leni Riefenstahl
Producer
Sandra Maischberger
Cinematographer
Toby Cornish
Music
Freya Arde
World sales
Beta Cinema GmbH
Runtime
Language
German, English
Subtitles
Estonian, English
Other festivals
Stockholm, Venice
Director
Andres Veiel

Balagan (1994, doc), Die Überlebenden (1996, doc), Black Box BRD (2001, doc), Die Spielwütigen (Näitlemisele pühendunud, PÖFF 2004, doc), Wer wenn nicht wir (If Not Us, Who?, 2011), Beuys (PÖFF 2017, doc), Riefenstahl (2024, doc)

Goethe Instituut

Goethe Instituut

Screenings

4th Hall Apollo Kino Solaris
Screening081403 / Riefenstahl
SubtitlesEnglish, Estonian
Screening duration
Hall Electric Cinema, TARTU
Screening134102 / Riefenstahl
SubtitlesEnglish, Estonian
Screening duration
8th Hall Apollo Kino Coca-Cola Plaza
Screening150802 / Riefenstahl
SubtitlesEnglish, Estonian
Q&A guestsSandra Maischberger (Producer)
Q&A duration
Screening duration
Kumu auditoorium KUMU
ScreeningRiefenstahl
SubtitlesEnglish, Estonian
Trailer