It seems improbable that Leni Riefenstahl would ever openly discuss her possible involvement in the Holocaust—whether through direct action or inaction—but this documentary attempts to reconstruct the life of this remarkable and mysterious filmmaker using an impressive assortment of archival footage, much of which comes from her own work. Her on-screen presence evokes a sense similar to Greta Garbo, and it's easy to …

The idea that “to thine own self be true” can be challenging is something many people experience, often because they haven't fully understood themselves. This documentary from writer-director Andres Veiel explores this concept through the life of German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl (1902-2003). To put it mildly, her existence was complex. As a passionate artist, she earned recognition for her work both in front of and …

The film adopts a restrained approach, granting the frequently criticized director an impactful perspective—achieved through carefully selected historical footage—that reveals resistance, justification, and stubbornness. While it becomes undeniably apparent which viewpoint Veiel supports, his presentation remains consistently measured and precise throughout.