Germany

Leni Riefenstahl

9 films · 1932 to 2023

Born 22 August 1902, Berlin · Died 8 September 2003

Helene Bertha Amalie "Leni" Riefenstahl was a German filmmaker, photographer, and actress. She is considered one of the most controversial personalities in film history. Regarded by many critics as an "innovative filmmaker and creative aesthete", she is also criticized for her works in the service of propaganda during the Nazi era. A talented swimmer and an artist, Riefenstahl became interested in dancing during her childhood, taking lessons and performing across all Europe. After seeing a promotional poster for the 1924 film Mountain of Destiny, she was inspired to move into acting and between 1925 and 1929 starred in five successful motion pictures. Riefenstahl became one of the few women in Germany to direct a film during the Weimar era when, in 1932, she decided to try directing with her own film, The Blue Light.

Biography adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA.

Critical context from Senses of Cinema