The Greatest Female Director of All Time Worked for the Nazis

She made the best propaganda film the world has ever seen

If you were asked to compile a list of history’s greatest film directors, Leni Riefenstahl isn’t a name you would write down. This is understandable. Black and white films from the 1930s don’t appeal to modern audiences, especially when they’re about Nazi Germany.

But despite Leni’s association with the darkest chapter of human history, the techniques she used were revolutionary at the time. All these years later, many still consider her to be the greatest female director of all time.

Leni grew up in Berlin and had many interests from an early age. Whilst at school, she demonstrated an aptitude for gymnastics, swimming, drama, art, and she also loved the natural world.

Most importantly, Leni belonged to the first generation of children to grow up with movie stars. As a teenager, she admired legendary screen icons such as Charlie Chaplin, Henny Porten, Douglas Fairbanks, and Lillian Gish.

Once she had left school, Leni spent time working at her father’s firm before pursuing a career as a dancer, but due to several foot injuries, she started to look for an alternative career path.

After being introduced to Arnold Fanck, a German director known for his mountain films, Leni was given a leading role in The Holy Mountain. As well as directing the film, Arnold also taught Leni about the practical side of filmmaking.

In 1931, Leni founded her own production company and went on to make The Blue Light, her directorial debut.

Adolf Hitler was one of many who saw The Blue Light. He particularly enjoyed the film’s depiction of work and nature, which linked with the Nazis’ emphasis on the homeland and the pre-industrialized world. The film was also popular with international audiences in England, France, and America.

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