"Elf" is a 2003 American Christmas comedy film directed by Jon Favreau, starring Will Ferrell in the title role. The film is about a young orphan who, unbeknownst to him, is actually a human who was raised in the North Pole by Santa Claus and his elf community. The film is based on a 1993 book of the same name by author and screenwriter David Sedaris. The film is approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes long.