Young Entrepreneurs Revive Analogue Photography in Central America

In a digital age, Fabriccio Díaz and Lucía Ramírez have revived analogue photography with their unique film lab in Guatemala City, attracting a growing community of enthusiasts.

It all started as a simple passion project, according to Fabriccio Díaz, 28, who, alongside his wife Lucía Ramírez, 25, has created the only fully operational photo film development lab in Central America from their humble apartment in Guatemala City. "Now we've expanded to serve over 60 clients a month and developed more than 800 rolls of film just this year," he reveals.

The lab, named Arca Film Lab, has gained immense popularity in 2023, specializing in all types of analogue film development, including the complex E-6 process used for developing color positives. Fabriccio, who has a background in cinematography, felt inspired to dive into film development after recognizing the scarcity of high-quality services in the region.

"We began experimenting with film in our apartment. Friends soon asked us to develop their films, helping our venture take off," Lucía shares. The couple launched their service through a simple Instagram page in September 2023.

Self-taught, they learned film development techniques from YouTube tutorials and networking with established international film labs. "Veterans in this field generously shared their insights with us," Fabriccio notes, expressing gratitude for the supportive community they've discovered.

Beyond film development, the couple also hosts "photo walks" in Antigua, where photography enthusiasts gather to explore and learn how to use vintage cameras. Young analogue photographer Iván Ortiz, 22, expresses a connection to nostalgia that these older cameras provide. "It feels like experiencing a generation we could never know," he states, emphasizing the thoughtful, tangible results of analogue photography over digital files.

Steven López, 33, traveling through Central America to document Mayan culture, agrees. He relies on his analogue camera because it captures the essence of his experiences better than digital methods. "Every time I receive my developed film, it's like a Christmas surprise!" he exclaims.

Despite growing enthusiasm for analogue photography in Central America, challenges persist. Ronald Ottoniel, 26, points out the difficulty in sourcing quality cameras locally, while Fabriccio and Lucía face hurdles in importing essential chemicals for film development—a process closely monitored by the government.

Amidst these hurdles, the couple is dedicated to maintaining the personal touch that inspired their venture. Lucía recounts how clients sometimes include treats in their packages, which they reciprocate with handwritten notes. "It's vital for us to treat each client personally rather than as mere numbers," she emphasizes.

In contrast to large automated film labs abroad, Arca Film Lab operates on a hands-on basis. The intricacies of film development require precise control over chemicals and exposure times. "The beginning was challenging, but after developing hundreds of rolls, we've become adept at the process," Fabriccio reflects on their journey.

Toto, their four-month-old cat, is a cherished part of the lab, contributing to the quality control in a lighthearted manner as he roams during the development process. Once films are developed, they move from the kitchen—where the initial development occurs—to the bathroom for drying, ensuring a dust-free environment.

Recently, Arca Film Lab expanded its reach to El Salvador, regularly providing film sales and collection services. With aspirations to strengthen ties with major brands like CineStill and Eastman Kodak, the couple plans to elevate their offerings by developing cine film rolls, a task that involves the intricate ECN-2 process.

"I dream of revitalizing the classic cinematography scene in Central America! We possess tremendous talent and enthusiasm that we aim to share with the world. Arca Film Lab is just the beginning of a movement we wish to grow," Fabriccio concludes, underscoring his vision for the future.