Controversial Riefenstahl Nuba Photos Undergo Scrutiny

Researchers from Germany and Sudan examine the colonial and racial context of Leni Riefenstahl's photographs of the Nuba people.

A joint research project has been conducted over two years to study Leni Riefenstahl's legacy, focusing on her photographs and films of the Nuba people.
The study highlights that the Nuba, unaware of the intended use of the images, perceived Riefenstahl as an eccentric figure and now seek compensation for the exploitation.
The project underscores the photographs' colonial and racist undertones, presenting them in a new critical light.
Despite the controversies, the images are seen as valuable by current Nuba generations for connecting with their ancestral history.
Riefenstahl's extensive archive, donated to German cultural institutions, is being explored, with a new documentary film also delving into her complex legacy.