"Sobering and profoundly eerie." - Kevin Maher, The Times
"RIEFENSTAHL may arrive at damning conclusions about how the filmmaker controlled her own narrative through omission, but resonates in a grander way when wondering what we’ll all turn a blind eye to." - Stephen Saito, Moveable Fest
Filmmaker and Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl spent decades after World War II denying her association with Nazi ideology and claiming ignorance of the Holocaust, while at the same time her films, especially TRIUMPH OF THE WILL, experienced a renaissance, gaining esteem and taught in film schools for their masterful technical skill. Using never-before-seen documents from Riefenstahl’s estate, including private films, photos, recordings, and letters, RIEFENSTAHL argues that one cannot simply “separate the art from the artist,” and—in an era where fascism and fake news are on the rise—explores the dangers that complicity and denial pose. Siskel Film Center exclusive.
Awards & Nominations
Winner - Jury Prize, Best Documentary Feature, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
Winner - Cinema & Arts Award, Venice Film Festival
Official selection - Telluride Film Festival, Venice Film Festival
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu