Instant Dreams

This is how you made a documentary. At times I felt like I was watching a Kubrick's movie. This movie was not just beautiful, but also very meaningful. It wasn't just about photography, but for humanity in general. And it was not just a documentary, but a very distinguished piece of art. I felt so happy and I smiled a lot during its screening at Sofia Film Fest. I was impressed by the way life, time and people were presented in this movie.

Where to start with this documentary? Can you even call this a documentary? If you're expecting talking heads about the ins- en outs of a once great company or typical story structure for that matter, you are in the wrong place. There is history in it and Edwin Land plays a big part in the overall story, but it's no History Channel affair. I would say it's about how humanity relates to analog Polaroid photography and what we have lost along the way. The story focuses on Polaroid devotees in the age of digital. One uses these ethereal pictures to bond with his son, another uses it in her art and yet another is on a quest to recreate the secret chemical formula. Each of them has a special bond with analog. There is a girl in Tokyo, who I guess represents the way photography will evolve into the future. I was glued to my seat throughout, taking in the hypnotic scenery, going along for a ride that is best described as ' a dream within a dream'. I highly recommend it. If you enjoy off beat films or have an interest in photography. One of the most interesting things I have seen this year.

This documentary delves into the enduring appeal of Polaroid photography in the digital age. While some may dismiss it as a nostalgic relic, the film argues that the Polaroid camera and its instant prints still hold a special place in the hearts of many.

Indeed, the documentary recognizes that in today's world of lightning-fast digital photography, the Polaroid's appeal lies not in its technical capabilities, but in its ability to capture and preserve a moment in time. As one interviewee notes, "The digital world is all about speed and efficiency, but there's something beautiful about slowing down and being in the moment."

By exploring the emotional attachment that many individuals feel towards Polaroid photography, the film offers a thought-provoking reflection on the power of sentimentality. Through interviews with artists, photographers, and Polaroid enthusiasts, the documentary reveals how this seemingly outdated technology continues to inspire and move people.

While some may find it difficult to connect with the sentimental value of Polaroid photography, the documentary offers a compelling case for its enduring relevance. As one interviewee eloquently states, "Polaroid is not just a camera, it's a way of seeing the world."

Slow, ponderous, rambling. A documentary that does no service to its core subject other than to blur an confuse the story of a ground-breaking invention. An ego-massaging exercise for its makers that gets more annoying the longer it drags on.

Wasn't sure what to expect from this one. It's light on information but loaded with thought-provoking dialog and imagery. That isn't necessarily a bad thing. If Terence Malick would have made a film about Polaroid, I'm sure it would look a bit like this one. The pacing takes getting used to, the story and characters are fascinating as they slowly pull you in to their analog world. A real stand out was a Japanese girl that pops up now and again reminding us of our idiosyncratic digital world. A bit heavy on the esoteric side but certainly a remarkable and mesmerizing experience.