Film suggests Nazis' lead propagandist had role in 1939 massacre

A new documentary titled "Riefenstahl," directed by Andres Veiel, suggests that Leni Riefenstahl, the Nazis' lead propagandist and filmmaker, may have played a role in the 1939 massacre of Polish Jews. The film, set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, claims Riefenstahl was a direct witness to the atrocities and may have indirectly contributed to them through her instructions during a film shoot. A letter from 1952 found in her estate indicates that she urged the removal of Jews from a marketplace, which led to their deaths when they attempted to flee. The documentary also reveals Riefenstahl's continued admiration for the Nazi regime until her death in 2003, contradicting her claims of ignorance about the regime's crimes. It includes recordings of her postwar conversations with former Nazis and highlights her lack of intervention when a collaborator faced sterilization under Nazi law. The filmmakers argue that Riefenstahl's legacy as a great artist should be reevaluated, as evidence suggests she remained committed to Nazi ideology throughout her life. They anticipate backlash from the film community, where Riefenstahl is still regarded with high esteem.

- The documentary claims Leni Riefenstahl may have contributed to the 1939 massacre of Polish Jews.

- A letter from her estate suggests she urged the removal of Jews during a film shoot.

- Riefenstahl maintained admiration for the Nazi regime until her death in 2003.

- The film includes recordings of her conversations with former Nazis.

- The filmmakers expect backlash due to Riefenstahl's continued high regard in the film community.