Kumu Documentary: Riefenstahl
Dir Andres Veiel
Germany 2024, 116 min
In German and English, with Estonian and English subtitles
A gripping exploration of Leni Riefenstahl’s artistic legacy and moral ambiguity.
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 from 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 information, the film explores her struggle to redefine her legacy, offering a fascinating and intimate portrait of the woman behind the camera.
