El Documental by Jean Breschand offers a comprehensive exploration of the documentary film genre, tracing its origins back to the earliest days of cinema with pioneers like the Lumière brothers. The book examines the evolution of documentary practices, analyzing how the form has developed from simple recordings of reality to a complex and diverse mode of storytelling. Breschand delves into the theoretical and practical dimensions of documentary filmmaking, discussing its role in shaping public perception and its intersection with social, political, and cultural contexts. Through detailed analysis and historical perspective, the work provides readers with a deeper understanding of the documentary as both an art form and a tool for inquiry. It is an essential resource for students, filmmakers, and anyone interested in the power of nonfiction cinema to document, interpret, and challenge the world around us.