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THE LENI RIEFENSTAHL FILM PROJECT(S)

ONE POSSIBLE ADVANCE POSTER. WILL THERE EVER BE A FILM ?

In 1999 both Jodie Foster and Leni Riefenstahl herself (through Odeon pictures) announced the two best known proposed film versions in separate press statements only a few days apart. There remains serious doubt about the viability of any  proposed production. Certainly it remains unclear when any script will be put in to actual production. 

"I won't sign a contract until I am satisfied that the film will be faithful to my memoirs. Distortions creep into...film, as is so often the case with Hollywood productions. Should the Americans go ahead on their own, they run the risk of incurring my wrath...I won't hesitate to take them to court." (Leni Riefenstahl, 2002)

WHO WILL STAR ?

According to World Entertainment News Network.com, "Jodie Foster has beaten off Hollywood rival Sharon Stone" in securing the role of Leni Riefenstahl in an upcoming biopic. Further they confirm that rock star Madonna also "showed an interest" in the part (article from late 2001)

 Foster has expressed her interest not just from an actor's point of view, but also in relation to her admiration of Riefenstahl as a fellow director

WHO WILL DIRECT ?

Names of who will direct the various film versions have been varied as well, oddly with no one from Germany in serious contention. Of course, some have speculated that Jodie Foster would want to direct her own version. 

Other names, not necessarily mentioned in relation to any project Jodie Foster may get off the ground include Oliver Stone and (oddly) Steven Spielberg. 

As of late 2002, acclaimed Dutch film director Paul Verhoeven has been discussed for the European / Leni Riefenstahl approved version. Verhoeven recently advised Dasblauelicht.net that he is in fact considering the job despite ongoing controversy surrounding the film. He has been in conversation with Riefenstahl and has been a defender of her work and legacy. (See our News Wire page for details).

WHO WILL PRODUCE ?

It is unknown if Egg Pictures, now closed, will continue to be involved in the production of any Riefenstahl project. Bablesburg Studios in Germany has been mentioned as a serious contender for the Foster film. Although Odeon had actually secured the Riefenstahl Memoirs for its project, it has been rumored that he deal has fallen through.

Based on confidential sources it would appear that there may be at least one or two other proposals made very soon which have not been mentioned in the press.

A television version of Riefenstahl's life has been alluded to as well.

WHO WILL OPPOSE ?

It has been rumored that some Hollywood power players have opposed the production. At this time, although some well known filmmakers have been mentioned, nothing has been done to verify their opposition. Several articles have been published by journalists employed by Jewish online newsletters, attacking the Foster sponsored production as "glorifying" the nazis. Thus far, only a small protest at Paramount Studios (directed against Jodie Foster's Egg Productions) in the year 2000, has been of any signficance.

see the Das Blaue Licht Newswire for more...

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