Leni Riefenstahl and Olympia

In August 1936, film-maker and photographer Leni Riefenstahl was commissioned to document Berlin Olympics.

Riefenstahl's directorial efforts i n Olympia, which captured with haunting effectiveness the images of the the Games in Berlin. It was for Olympia that Riefenstahl pioneered numerous cinematographic techniques, such as filming footage with cameras mountedon rails.

Olympia's forceful blend of aesthetics, sports, and propaganda again won Riefenstahl accolades and awards, including Best Foreign Film honors at the Venice Film Festival and a special award from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for depicting the joy of sport. 

Riefenstahl's directorial efforts in Olympia, which captured with haunting effectiveness the images of the the Games in Berlin. It was for Olympia that Riefenstahl pioneered numerous cinematographic techniques, such as filming footage with cameras mounted on rails (commonly known today as tracking shots).