Essay Films about Film: The ‘Filmed Correspondence’ Between José Luis Guerin and Jonas Mekas

Abstract

One of the most enlightening examples of essay films exploring filmmaking is the unique dialogue between José Luis Guerín and Jonas Mekas. Taking part in the larger Todas las cartas. Correspondencias fílmicas project, the two directors exchanged nine video letters from December 2009 to April 2011. In his chapter Fernando Canet embarks on a close analysis of this filmed correspondence. It quickly transpires that both filmmakers are cinephilic and fervent enthusiasts of their trade; they live by and for the cinema, and typically express their personal reflections on cinema in or through their filmmaking practice. Their filmed letters generate ‘ideas’ about film as a reflective and critical response as well as an alternative approach to traditional criticism.