I Live as I Please

This short documentary, filmed during the Nazi era, offers a glimpse into the lives of the Nuba people in Sudan. It focuses on their traditional customs, physical strength, and daily routines. The film presents a romanticized portrayal of a pre-industrial society. It captures aspects of their culture, including athletic competitions and community life. The Nuba are depicted as a noble and physically gifted people.

While Leni Riefenstahl's films are often lauded for their visual artistry and technical innovation, they are inextricably linked to her association with the Nazi regime. 'I Live as I Please' is often viewed through this lens, with critics acknowledging its aesthetic qualities but questioning its ethical implications and the propaganda value it might have held, despite its seemingly ethnographic subject matter. Audience reception is difficult to gauge due to its limited distribution and the historical context.

• Visually striking imagery capturing the Nuba people.

• A controversial work due to its director's Nazi affiliations.

• Presents a romanticized and potentially problematic ethnographic view.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available. Given its historical context and limited distribution, specific audience sentiments are hard to ascertain.

The film was shot in 1937 but not released until 1942, and its original German title was 'Tag der Freiheit – Unsere Wehrmacht' (Day of Freedom – Our Armed Forces), focusing on the Wehrmacht, before being re-edited and retitled for its later release.