pellicola

Pellicola is a term used in Italian to refer to a thin layer or film, but it is most commonly associated with photographic and motion picture film. In photography, pellicola denotes the light-sensitive material that is coated onto a flexible base and used to capture images. The base has evolved from early nitrocellulose to safer cellulose triacetate and modern polyester, while the emulsion contains silver halide crystals that respond to light.

Photographic film comes in various formats and types. Common still-film formats include 35mm, 120 (medium format), and larger sheet films, each offering different image sizes and characteristics. Films can be black-and-white or color, with processes such as black-and-white development and color development (including C-41 for color negatives and E-6 for slides). The emulsion composition and development chemistry determine contrast, grain, and tonal range.

Cinematic pellicola, or motion picture film, is the base for analog film projection. This stock is perforated to advance frame by frame through cameras and projectors and is produced in gauges such as 8mm, 16mm, 35mm and 65/70mm. Standard cinema framing historically follows a rapid sequence of frames at typical frame rates around 24 frames per second. Film for cinema often uses color processes and complex dye-transfer or dye-coupler systems for color reproduction.

Since the advent of digital imaging, analog pellicola has become less common in mainstream production but remains treasured by enthusiasts and professionals. Numerous brands continue to produce new film stocks, and interest in analog photography persists through dedicated labs, workshops, and revival of classic formats.