Looking for something to explore in the center of Leiden? From 19 to 22 September, the Leiden Essay Film Festival returns for its second edition, bringing four days of thought-provoking films, live music and film performances to Cinema Kijkhuis and Museum De Lakenhal.
Following a successful first edition in 2025, this year’s festival features 44 essay films from more than 20 countries. The programme includes recent productions by young and emerging filmmakers, as well as prominent classics such as Far from Vietnam, a collective project by Chris Marker, Jean-Luc Godard and others; Thom Andersen’s acclaimed Los Angeles Plays Itself; and A.K.A. Serial Killer by radical Japanese filmmaker Masao Adachi.
The opening will take place on Saturday, 19 September at 2:00 p.m. at Museum De Lakenhal with a lecture by researcher and filmmaker Kevin B. Lee.
What is an essay film?
The essay film is an adventurous genre practized by both artists and scholars. Filmmakers follow their personal curiosity as they question phenomena and events, reflecting on them in a thoughtful and idiosyncratic way.
The films screened by leff at Cinema Kijkhuis from Sunday 20 through Tuesday 22 September are rarely, if ever, shown in the Netherlands. Most are recent productions dealing with current issues such as identity, decolonisation, technology and war. The programme also explores subjects including family relationships, cities and landscapes, listening, and filmmaking itself. Essay films invariably provide food for thought and discussion. At most screenings, filmmakers or guest speakers will be present to engage in conversation with the audience. All screenings will be introduced, and many will be followed by a discussion.
