Watch Time Zero: The Last Year of Polaroid Film

Time Zero: The Last Year of Polaroid Film is a documentary film that explores the end of an era in photography with the cessation of Polaroid film production in 2008. The movie follows a group of enthusiasts and artists who are devoted to this analog medium and record their reactions to the news of its discontinuation. The film begins with an introduction to the Polaroid Corporation, which was founded in 1937 by Edwin Land. It quickly became a household name with its instant film cameras, which enabled people to see their pictures immediately after taking them. The documentary highlights the unique features of Polaroid film, including its vivid colors, a distinctive texture, and its ability to capture fleeting moments in time.

The movie features interviews with several Polaroid photographers, including Stephanie Schneider, a Danish photographer who uses Polaroid film in her art. Stephanie discusses the magic of the medium and the connection she feels with her subjects through Polaroid photography. We also meet Grant Hamilton, who is a collector of Polaroid cameras and film. He talks about how the cameras were designed for ease of use and how their simplicity allowed photographers to concentrate on capturing the moment.

As the movie progresses, we see how Polaroid's fortunes began to decline with the advent of digital photography. The documentary highlights the role of a new generation of photographers who continued to appreciate the unique qualities of Polaroid film. One such photographer is Clayton Cubitt, who used Polaroid film in his provocative 'Hysterical Literature' project. He talks about how Polaroid film adds an element of authenticity to his work that cannot be replicated with digital technology.

The narrative of the film takes a dramatic turn when the Polaroid Corporation announces that it will be discontinuing the production of Polaroid film. The news prompts a wave of nostalgia among Polaroid enthusiasts, many of whom rush to stockpile the remaining supplies of film. The movie shows how the community was devastated by the loss of their preferred medium and how they held out hope for its revival.

There are several poignant moments in the movie where the photographers talk about what Polaroid film means to them. One of the most moving scenes features New York-based photographer, Stephanie Riggs. Stephanie recalls how she used Polaroid film to document her mother's last days before she passed away from cancer. She talks about how the film allowed her to capture intimate moments with her mother that she would have otherwise missed.

The film ultimately captures the sense of loss and longing felt by Polaroid enthusiasts as the embrace of digital technology pushed aside their beloved analog medium. The documentary also touches on the revival of Polaroid film by The Impossible Project, a company that bought the last remaining Polaroid factory in the Netherlands and began producing new film stocks in 2010.

In conclusion, Time Zero: The Last Year of Polaroid Film is a touching and nostalgic tribute to a medium that was an integral part of photographic history. The movie effectively captures the magic of Polaroid film and the passion that its enthusiasts had for it. The documentary also highlights the ongoing struggle between analog and digital photography and how the medium continues to evolve over time. The movie is highly recommended for photography enthusiasts, Polaroid fans, and anyone interested in the history and aesthetics of photography.

Time Zero: The Last Year of Polaroid Film is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.