Nataša Urban on the Celluloid Film

Analog filmmaking seems to be experiencing a revival even before it has completely disappeared. Yet the chemicals being used have a great impact on the environment. Employing sensual and artisanal approach to image making, in her film Natasa explores organic film processing with environmentally friendly substances to create the film’s unique visual grammar. As ecological alternative to commercial developers, these eco-developers include ingredients available from the grocery store: instant coffee, beer, wine, or ingredients available in our gardens or parks: magnolia flowers, blueberries, dandelions, potatoes, moss, tree bark, etc. What are some of the possibilities of working with photochemical film to tell your story, and what kind of communication does materiality of celluloid offer.

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With her award-winning essay documentary THE ECLIPSE (2022) as her case study, filmmaker Nataša Urban introduces us to analogue film, super 8 filming, and ecological film development. Analog filmmaking seems to be experiencing a revival even before it has completely disappeared. Yet the chemicals being used have a great impact on the environment. Employing sensual and artisanal approach to image making, in her film Natasa explores organic film processing with environmentally friendly substances to create film’s unique visual grammar. As ecological alternative to commercial developers, these eco-developers include ingredients available from the grocery store: instant coffee, beer, wine, or ingredients available in our gardens or parks: magnolia flowers, blueberries, dandelions, potatoes, moss, tree bark, etc. What are some of the possibilities of working with photochemical film to tell your story, and what kind of communication does materiality of celluloid offer?

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