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Leni Riefenstahl

Filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl (1902-2003) is best known for her propaganda works for the Nazis, "Triumph of the Will" and "Olympia," two technically innovative documentaries produced in the 1930s.

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All Content on this topic

Leni Riefenstahl looking through an impressive camera, surrounded by men.

Riefenstahl documentary explores Nazis' filmmaker's estate

Filmmaker Andres Veiel had unprecedented access to the Nazi propagandist's 700-box personal archive.
FilmMay 14, 20248 images
DW Arts.21 (Sendungslogo Composite)

Why is the band Rammstein so controversial?

These German shock rockers thrill fans and spark controversy. What makes them tick?
MusicFebruary 11, 202326:06 min
A part of a poster for the Nazi-era film 'Jud Süss'

How the Nazis used poster art as propaganda

An illustrated book by an art historian looks at the psychological manipulation behind Nazi poster art.
CultureNovember 30, 2020
Deutschland Marte Harell und Johannes Heesters in dem Film "Die Fledermaus"

The Nazi-era films completed after WWII

What happened to the films in production in 1945 in Nazi Germany that were not finished before the end of World War II?
FilmSeptember 11, 2020
Hitler and others look at tiny model of VW beetle Getty Images/Hoffmann)

Nazi design, from megalomaniac to kitsch

The Volkswagen Beetle, the swastika or Leni Riefenstahl's films: Nazis used design as a propaganda instrument.
CultureSeptember 6, 2019
Rammstein Konzert Tour 2019

Rammstein's candid kiss sends ripples around the world

The latest stunt by the German hard rock band appears to have hit a particular nerve in Russia.
MusicAugust 3, 2019
Leni RIEFENSTAHL bei Dreharbeiten zu 'Tiefland'

Estate of Hitler's filmmaker, Leni Riefenstahl, donated

A German cultural foundation has been bequeathed photos, films and letters that belonged to filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl.
CultureFebruary 13, 2018
A scene from the film "Jud Süss" with Ferdinand Marian

How the Nazis promoted anti-Semitism through film

The Nazis wove anti-Semitism into their films as part of their propaganda scheme. How should they be treated today?
CultureAugust 3, 20179 images
Berlin's Olympic Stadium

Out with Hitler

There's sizeable opposition to bringing the Olympics to Berlin, but many think they could expel an old ghost.
March 15, 2015
The Congress Hall

Triumph of the Music

A backdrop for many of Hitler's speeches, the Nuremberg Congress Hall reopens as a concert hall.
March 7, 2008
Leni Riefenstahl looking through director

The Nazis and Film

DW-WORLD.DE spoke to film researcher Gerd Albrecht about how Nazis used film to further their aims.
August 12, 2007

Hitler's Chosen Artists Walked Fine Line Between Art and Politics

The Nazis compiled a secret list of “divinely gifted” artists, who received favorable treatment in return for entertaining the masses. The list included Dutch-born actor Johannes Heesters, who turned 100 on Friday.
December 6, 2003

Controversial Filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl Dead at 101

German filmmaker and photographer Leni Riefenstahl -- highly controversial for her propaganda films on the Nazi regime -- died Monday, one week after her 101st birthday.
September 10, 2003

Reflecting on the Life of a Controversial Genius

A retrospective, looking back at the life and work of controversial German filmmaker and photographer Leni Riefensthal, has opened in Bonn.
December 18, 2002

Leni Riefenstahl: Genius of Controversy

Leni Riefenstahl has been surrounded by controversy ever since being commissioned by Hitler to make propaganda films. Her new film, released on the eve of her 100th birthday on Wednesday, is her first in half a century.
August 22, 2002

Flirting with Controversy

Leni Riefenstahl thrives on controversy. The film-maker with the infamous Nazi-era links, plans to release a new movie in time for her 100th birthday.
May 13, 2002