Leni Riefenstahl is considered one of the most controversial women of the 20th century as an artist and a Nazi propagandist. Her films TRIUMPH OF THE WILL and OLYMPIA stand for perfectly staged body worship and the celebration of the superior and victorious. At the same time, these images project contempt for the imperfect and weak. Riefenstahl’s aesthetics are more present than ever today – but is that also true for their implied message?
The film examines this question using documents from Riefenstahl’s estate, including private films, photos, recordings and letters. It uncovers fragments of her biography and places them in an extended historical context. How could Riefenstahl become the Reich’s preeminent filmmaker and keep denying any closer ties to Hitler and Goebbels? During her long life after the fall of Nazism, she remained unapologetic, managing to control and shape her legacy. In personal documents, she mourns her “”murdered ideals””. Riefenstahl represents many postwar Germans who, in letters and recorded telephone calls from her estate, dream of an organizing hand that will finally clean up the “”shit-hole state””. Then, her work would also experience a renaissance, in a generation or two this time could come – what if they are right?
Running Time: 1 hour 56 mins Language: German with English subtitles Genre: Documentary Content Warnings: strong real violence, discrimination, sexual violence references
Dates
| Date | Time | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Sep 2025 | 7:00pm | £4.00 - £5.00 | Book Now |
Venue Details
Hull Truck Theatre is a pioneering theatre with a unique Northern Voice, locally rooted, global in outlook, inspiring artists, audiences and communities to reach their greatest potential. We're committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for all our communities to enjoy and feel valued. Cafe Bar run by award winning street food caterers, Shoot the Bull, is open 10am - 5pm (later on performance nights) on a Wed & Sat. And from 2hrs prior to a matinee or evening show on other days. Vegan options available. - Free WiFi - Accessible and Stoma Friendly toilets - Childrens reading corner and play area - Breast Feeding Friendly venue and part of the Hull Milk Trail - Dementia Friends - TIC (Tourette's Inclusion in the Community) Friendly Some of the Hull Truck Theatre team are also qualified in Level 1 or 2 British Sign Language.
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Onsite Cafe
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