Will Kodak End CineStill's Innovative Repackaging of Motion Picture Film?
CineStill has done something really interesting with film photography and it’s changed the way we photograph our world. They've taken Kodak cinema film, originally designed for motion picture use, and adapted it for still photography. One of the biggest hurdles with using cinema film for stills is the Remjet layer—a protective backing that prevents standard photo labs from easily processing it. CineStill figured out how to remove that layer, making the film compatible with the widely available C-41 process, which has made this unique stock far more accessible to photographers everywhere.
What makes CineStill so compelling is the aesthetic. The colors, the rich tones, and that signature halation glow in the highlights—it's a look that feels cinematic while remaining versatile for everyday photography. It’s been embraced by the film community for its creative potential and distinctive results.
But there’s growing concern that this innovation could be short-lived. Kodak, the original manufacturer of the cinema stock CineStill repurposes, has hinted at the possibility of restricting the repackaging of its motion picture films for still use. If that happens, it could significantly impact CineStill's ability to continue offering these unique emulsions, which would be a major loss for the photography world.
CineStill has been a key player in keeping analog photography exciting and accessible by bridging the gap between motion picture film and still photography. I’m hoping they’ll be able to continue pushing the boundaries and that Kodak recognizes the value this brings to the entire creative community. Check out the link below to watch a video by Overexposed!