“Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Swifter, Higher, Stronger) rang the Olympic Games-motto. Hitler evoked a similar image at a 1934 Youth Day-rally in Nuremberg: “The ideal German boy should be slim and trim, quick as a greyhound, tough as leather, and as hard as Krupp steel.” And this is what director Leni Riefenstahl attempted to reveal in her film Olympia. Beginning with the relay of the Olympic torch from Greece to Berlin, Leni guides us on an intentional and choreographed journey through the 1936 Olympic Summer Games. With her natural talent and imagination, she created one the most innovative sports documentaries ever made, still serving as a way of inspiration for documentarians today. Utilizing 50 cameramen and 365.760 meters worth of film, Leni captures the games from every angle.

Although aesthetically considered one of the most beautiful documentaries to be created, it’s no secret that this film is propaganda for the Nazi regime, by aestheticizing the Aryan race through close ups of body figures, comparing their strength to that of Greek statues. Regardless of the regime’s attempts at racial propaganda, they are cut down by the likes of African American runners Jesse Owens and John Woodruff who won 5 Gold medals between them. Relive the 21 Track-and-Field-events at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Filmen vises som del av temaet OLYMPISKE LEKER PÅ LILLEHAMMER 30 ÅR.

“For the glory and honor of the youth of the world.”

BERLINOLYMPIADEN DEL 1
OLYMPIA 1. TEIL - FEST DER VÖLKER
Tyskland 1938
Regi: Leni Riefenstahl
Spilletid: 126 min
Aldersgrense: Tillatt for alle
Omtale: Court Ropp

Trivia
Riefenstahl would have several athletes reenact their winning throw, attempt or routine. Film critic and historian Peter Cowie wrote «she bent the Games to her will ... with an almost ruthless regimentation.»