Olympia: Part One – Festival of the Nations (1940)

Movie
Audience Score
68
Olympia: Part One – Festival of the NationsApple iTunes logoWatch on Apple iTunes
NR 2 hr 7 minMar 8th, 1940DocumentaryOlympia Collection PosterPart of Olympia Collection
Commissioned to make a propaganda film about the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, director Leni Riefenstahl created a celebration of the human form. This first half of her two-part film opens with a renowned introduction that compares modern Olympians to classical Greek heroes, then goes on to provide thrilling in-the-moment coverage of some of the games' most celebrated moments, including African-American athlete Jesse Owens winning a then-unprecedented four gold medals.
StarringDavid AlbrittonJack BeresfordGlenn Cunningham
DirectorLeni Riefenstahl
WriterLeni Riefenstahl

Movie Details

Theatrical Release:March 8th, 1940
Movie Budget:$550,000
Original Language:German
Production Companies:Olympia-Film GmbH
Movie Tags:
woman directorsportsnaziolympic gamesbeautypoetic documentaryxenophobiaprofessional athletenational socialismnsdap (nazi party)

Olympia Collection

Commissioned to make a propaganda film about the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, director Leni Riefenstahl created a celebration of the human form. Part one, Festival of the Nations, captures a renowned introduction that compares modern Olympians to classical Greek heroes, and goes on to provide thrilling in-the-moment coverage of some of the games' most celebrated moments, including African-American athlete Jesse Owens winning a then-unprecedented four gold medals. Part two, The Festival of Beauty, concentrates on individual athletes such as equestrians, gymnasts, and swimmers, climaxing with American Glenn Morris' performance in the decathalon and the games' majestic closing ceremonies.