Filmiiristeisiä

Filmiiristeisiä is a Finnish term that translates to "film strips" or "film negatives." It refers to the physical material used in traditional analog filmmaking, consisting of a transparent plastic base coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. This emulsion captures the images projected onto it during filming.

The film strip is typically perforated along its edges to allow for accurate transport through cameras and projectors. The emulsion contains silver halide crystals that undergo a chemical change when exposed to light, forming a latent image. This latent image is then developed through a chemical process, making the captured image visible and permanent.

Once developed, the film strip can be projected, creating the illusion of motion when displayed rapidly. Different types of film exist, varying in their sensitivity to light (ISO), color reproduction capabilities, and grain structure. The lifespan and storage conditions of film strips are crucial for preserving the recorded images. Archival storage in cool, dry, and dark environments is necessary to prevent degradation of the emulsion and base material.

The advent of digital filmmaking has largely replaced the use of physical film strips, but they remain a significant part of cinema history and are still used in certain artistic and archival contexts. The tactile nature and unique aesthetic qualities of film are often cited as reasons for its continued appreciation.