cinefilm

Cinefilm is a term used to describe motion picture film stock used to capture and project moving images in cinema. It refers to a physical, light-sensitive material arranged as frames on a transparent base, exposed in a camera and later developed to form visible pictures. The standard format for much of cinematic history is 35 mm, with smaller gauges such as 16 mm and 8 mm used for non-theatrical work, newsreels, and independent productions. Larger formats such as 65/70 mm have been used for high-resolution releases.

Film bases have evolved from nitrate to safety acetate and, later, polyester. Color cinefilm employs multilayer emulsions and color dye processes; black-and-white stocks are still available and used for artistic reasons. Exposure controls and development processes determine contrast, grain, and latitude.

In production, the exposed film is chemically developed to reveal the image, and many projects produce a negative that is printed to release print stock or transferred to digital via telecine or scanning. The advent of digital cinematography reduced film usage for new productions, but cinefilm remains valued for its aesthetic characteristics and archival properties. Some filmmakers prefer the organic grain, tonal response, and highlight handling of film.

Preservation of cinefilm requires controlled storage to slow chemical degradation and maintain base stability; preservation efforts include proper climate control, careful handling, and digitization for long-term access. Film archives undertake restoration and migration to digital formats to ensure continued accessibility.