Watch Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations

Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations, directed by Leni Riefenstahl, is a film that chronicles the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. The first of two parts, this film captures the opening ceremonies, the competitions, and the closing ceremonies of the Olympics. The movie is known for its technical innovations in filmmaking, such as underwater photography and slow-motion footage.

The film begins with a panoramic view of Berlin, highlighting the preparations for the games. Riefenstahl uses aerial shots and tracking shots to show the construction of the Olympic Stadium, as well as the training of the athletes. One of the standout scenes in the film is the opening ceremony, which Riefenstahl films from multiple angles. The camera captures the athletes as they march into the stadium, dressed in traditional attire, each representing their respective countries. The audience is also introduced to important figures from the Games, including Adolf Hitler and Jesse Owens.

Once the opening ceremony is over, the focus shifts to the various athletic events. Riefenstahl extensively covers each individual sport, including track and field, swimming, equestrian events, and weightlifting. The filmmakers use a variety of techniques to capture the events, including slow-motion shots that highlight the athletes' movements. As the movie progresses, viewers are able to see the various winners and losers of each event, as well as the reactions of spectators.

Throughout the movie, Riefenstahl includes shots of the crowds, showcasing their enthusiasm and excitement for the games. She also captures footage of Berlin, revealing its architecture and culture. By including these shots, the director is able to showcase the impact that the Olympics had on the city, and how it brought people from various nations together.

In addition to the sporting events, the film also explores the cultural events that took place during the Olympics. Riefenstahl includes footage of traditional dancing and music from various nations, as well as an art exhibit that was held during the games. These scenes highlight the diversity of cultures that were present during the Olympics, and how they were able to come together for this international event.

One of the most notable moments in the film is Jesse Owens' victory in the men's 100-meter dash. Riefenstahl captures the key moments of the race, as Owens beats his competitors with his incredible speed. She also includes footage of Owens on the medal podium, as the American national anthem plays in the background. This scene highlights the political implications of the Olympics, and how Owens' victory challenged notions of racial superiority.

The film ends with the closing ceremony of the Olympics, where the various competing nations march out of the stadium holding hands. The camera captures the joy and camaraderie of the athletes, as they celebrate their achievements and the end of the games. The movie concludes with a final shot of the Olympic flame being extinguished, marking the end of the games.

Overall, Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations is a stunning portrayal of the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. Through her innovative filming techniques and attention to detail, Riefenstahl is able to capture the spirit of the Olympic games, and the impact it had on the world. The movie is a testament to the power of sport and international cooperation, and will forever be remembered as a groundbreaking work of cinema.

Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations is a 1940 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.