The Leiden Essay Film Festival (LEFF) takes place from September 19 to 22 at Museum De Lakenhal and Kijkhuis. The second edition screens over forty essay films from more than twenty countries. Kevin B. Lee opens the festival with a lecture on the future of the essay film in an era of fake images and algorithms. Sara Rajaei is Filmmaker in Focus; her City of Poets (2024) won the European Film Award for Best Short Film. Other films on display include those by Ross McElwee, Jocelyne Saab, and Jeroen Kooijmans. Filmmakers or guest speakers will be present at most screenings.