inktfilm

inktfilm is a term used in art and cinema to describe a practice that combines ink-based imagery with translucent film substrates to create frames for animation, projection, or printed composites. The term is not standardized and its meaning varies among artists, educators, and archivists.

In one common usage, artists draw with India ink, acrylic ink, or sumi ink directly on clear film stock such as acetate or polyester. The drawn frames are then photographed or scanned frame by frame to produce an animation or sequential prints.

Another approach uses ink to alter or overlay existing imagery on film, employing techniques like scratching, resist, or bleaching to create textures that are then combined with other images in a printer or projector.

Materials typically include ink, brushes or nibs, film stock, light tables, and cameras or scanners. Ink on film is valued for its texture, depth of black, and tactile quality, but it poses archival challenges due to ink fading and film degradation.

Historically associated with experimental cinema and DIY printing, inktfilm has seen renewed interest with analog revival practices. Today it often exists alongside digital compositing, used to produce frames that retain a hand-made look.

Related concepts include direct animation, drawn-on-film, and hand-painted cinema.