Celluloid Revival: Tradition in the Age of Digital Cinema
In an era dominated by digital media, 草莓社区 Professor Vincent Singleton’s Cinematography II class offers an increasingly rare chance to use real, classic film to shoot video projects.
Whether it’s called celluloid or analogue film, this approach acknowledges and honors the foundational practices and industry standards that are inherent to working the film, and that are transferrable to the digital cinema age.
Some regional film institutions have moved away from celluloid, but this offering provides a unique and meaningful opportunity to celebrate the possibilities of the medium for students of Loyola’s Film and Digital Media program.
Singleton’s course resurrects 16mm film cameras like the Bolex and Eclair, long buried in storage, to instill discipline and foster creativity among students.
“Film helps students appreciate the processes associated with shooting film, fortifies discipline that might be lost when shooting digitally, and provides another storytelling aesthetic choice,” Singleton said.
This unique learning opportunity has inspired many students to embrace the challenges and artistry of film. George Almaraz, a 2023 graduate, recalled his transition from self-taught 35mm photography to motion picture film in Singleton’s class.
“The biggest difference I noticed in myself is just how much more precise and patient I become when working with film,” Almaraz said. He recently used a Bolex camera to capture rare footage of the 2024 solar eclipse, highlighting the irreplaceable charm of film. “Film has an intimate look and feel. You are both capturing and creating,” he said.
Egi Cani, another student, describes how learning to load and shoot with the Bolex camera brought unparalleled joy.
“Film has a certain feel that digital cannot replace,” Cani said. For their music video project, “Latter Day Lovers,” cinematographer Cani and director Avalon Smith utilized film to evoke nostalgia and depth. The challenges, like managing 100-foot film rolls and navigating the Bolex’s vintage mechanics, only added to the rewarding experience.
“You have to be decisive with your shot selection, which made the process even more meaningful,” Cani said.
Singleton’s efforts to revive and integrate analogue film into the curriculum have not only revitalized the film workflow at Loyola but also empowered students to embrace this unique medium. By providing access to these tools, he inspires students to explore creative, disciplined, and deeply personal storytelling.
“If given the opportunity, students will use and take advantage of unique tools for capturing their envisioned aesthetics,” Singleton said.