In an abstract outlook existentialism is the idea that dread, boredom, death, the absurd, freedom, choice, authenticity, alienation, and nothingness is fundamental to human existence. Existentialism grew as a philosophical and intellecutal movement in 19th and 20th century literature and philosophy.

Beginning with the works and thoughts of Soren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche the movement of existentialism itself took over the academia as well as the lay public with the continuing work and thinking of Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus. The emerging movement of existentialism grew from a quaint abstract philosophy of the human condition to a lived philosophy of personal responsibility and authenticity.

But what exactly is existentialism and how can one come to know it in order to apply it for oneself? Jean-Paul Sartre defines existentialism with a simple axiom that “existence precedes essence”. In Adelin Gasana’s final documentary film as a college student an overview of existentialism is outlined in a one-hour time frame. This documentary portrays the historical thought, fundamental tenets and praxis of existentialism.