Helene Bertha Amalie ‘Leni’ Riefenstahl was born in Berlin on 22 August 1902. Following a successful career as a dancer with the Russian ballet, Leni Riefenstahl was somehow drawn to the world of film acting. Founding her own film company in 1931, Riefenstahl received recognition for her work almost immediately. Das blaue Licht (The Blue Light) which she wrote, produced, and directed, with Riefenstahl herself playing the lead role won a gold medal at the Venice Biennale in 1932, establishing her name and paving the way to future success.
In February 1932, Fräulein Riefenstahl, on attending her first ever political meeting heard Hitler speak in the Berlin Sportpalast. Shortly after the event she wrote to Hitler requesting a meeting; this took place soon after. Hitler admired the charming, beautiful perfectionist and suggested that when the Nazis achieved power she must make his films. Riefenstahl replied that she could not make politically-motivated films; furthermore, she would not join the Party. Hitler would not be put off. While continuing to declare his enormous respect for her as an artist, and employing his not to be underestimated power of persuasion, Leni Riefenstahl finally succumbed and was duly appointed Director/Producer for Party Film-making.