Young Couple Revives Analogue Photography in Central America

In a small apartment in Guatemala City, a passion for analogue photography blossoms, leading a young couple to create a thriving film lab that connects their community to nostalgia.

It all began as a modest project for Fabriccio Díaz, 28, and his wife Lucía Ramírez, 25, who now run the sole operational photo film development lab in Central America from their home. "We’ve gone from developing our own films to serving over 60 clients a month this year," shares Fabriccio, reflecting on the rapid growth of Arca Film Lab.

Since its inception in September 2023, the couple's lab has gained popularity for its ability to process various types of analogue photography film, including the intricate E-6 development process for positive films. Fabriccio, having studied cinematography, was motivated to learn after realizing that access to high-quality film development services was limited in the region.

Lucía reminisces about the early days, "As we started developing within our apartment, friends began asking us to do the same for them, and we just expanded from there." Their online presence began with an Instagram page promoting their film development services.

Their skills were primarily self-taught through an array of YouTube tutorials and guidance from established film labs worldwide. "We've been amazed by the support from industry veterans who generously shared their knowledge," says Fabriccio.

The couple's enthusiasm for photography extends beyond film development—they host 'photo walks' in historic Antigua, Guatemala, where participants capture images with vintage cameras.

22-year-old Iván Ortiz, a participant in one of the walks, finds a unique connection to the past through analogue photography. "It's like reliving a nostalgia we never experienced firsthand," he comments. "In a fast-paced digital world, using film makes me thoughtfully engage with my photography."

Steven López, a 33-year-old traveler from the US documenting Mayan culture, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the joy of having tangible photographs, stating, "Each time I return from a trip and get my film developed, it feels like Christmas!”

Despite a growing community of analogue enthusiasts, challenges persist in obtaining reliable film equipment and supplies in Central America. "Finding quality analogue cameras is tough, and even harder to acquire them in good working condition," notes Ronald Ottoniel, a participant in a recent photo walk.

Furthermore, Fabriccio and Lucía navigate the regulatory hurdles involved in sourcing the chemicals required for developing positive film. "Many labs opt out of E-6 processing due to the complexity of importing these chemicals," explains Fabriccio.

As their business flourishes, the couple remains devoted to infusing their operations with personal touches. They cherish moments when clients send them small treats with their film, to which they respond with handwritten notes. "It's vital for us to maintain a personal connection with each client rather than simply becoming a mass production service," adds Lucía.

While large labs often rely on automated machines for film processing, Arca Film Lab thrives on a hands-on approach. Fabriccio carefully monitors the specific temperature and exposure durations needed for effective film development, a challenge he now feels confident mastering.

“After developing over 800 rolls this year, these processes feel instinctual,” he reflects. However, the early nerves from their first E-6 development remain a fond memory, especially witnessing the vibrant colors emerge.

Adding to the unique nature of their lab is 4-month-old Toto, their cat, who oversees quality control throughout the development process. Once processed, the film travels from the kitchen, regarded as their main workspace, to the bathroom—a designated drying area—before being digitized using their high-resolution Nikon scanner, reputed to be the best in Central America.

With aspirations to expand their operations into El Salvador and potentially collaborate with companies like CineStill and Eastman Kodak, the couple aims to forge stronger connections with the film industry. Fabriccio dreams of reinvigorating Central America's classical cinematography scene, stating, "Our journey with Arca Film Lab is a movement in its infancy, rooted in our local talent and passion."