Films Directed by Leni Riefenstahl

DAS BLAUE LICHT (1932)

" I set about seeking a thread, a theme, a style, in the realm of legend. Something that might allow me to give free reign to my juvenile sense of romanticism and the beautiful image."

Leni Riefenstahl (Interviews with Film Directors, Andrew Sarris)

Leni Riefenstahl set about to begin her initial foray into directing by issuing a screenplay that combined elements of The Blue Flower ( her familiar dance routine) , legends that were intrinsic to the Dolomite mountain range, and the novel Crystal Mountain, written by Gustav Renker in 1930. Key to completion of the screenplay came from Riefenstahl's collaboration with film theorist Bela Balacz.

Riefenstahl lining up a shot on location - Das Blaue Licht

Financing came from producer Harry Sokal and Riefenstahl's own production company, Riefenstahl-Film, GmbH. Filming began in late 1931 and Riefenstahl and her cinematographer utilized a new Agfa film stock, infrared in nature with special filters. This new process achieved the film's trademark look.

Riefenstahl directing on location - Das Blaue Licht

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