The essay-with its emphasis on the provisional and explorative rather than on definitive statements-has evolved from its literary beginnings and is now found in all mediums, including film. Today, the essay film is, arguably, one of the most widely acclaimed and critically discussed forms of filmmaking around the world, with practitioners such as Chris Marker, Hito Steyerl, Errol Morris, Trinh T. Minh-ha, and Rithy Panh.

Characteristics of the essay film include the blending of fact and ficti...