Instant Dreams

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 Through interviews with artists, photographers, and Polaroid enthusiasts, the documentary reveals how this seemingly outdated technology continues to inspire and move people.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."

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.

More a tone-poem than a traditional documentary. What lies beneath the surface of this documentary about the polaroid experience, is a story about how analog still resonates in the current age. We are all looking for tangible authentic experiences and Dr. Land once invented the perfect medium for that.

Pure genius. A psychedelic cinema masterwork. On the surface there is polaroid, future and past revelations meshed into an arty documentary which at times feels like an 70's sci-fi movie. The director certainly is not shy in showing his visual influences; Koyaaniquatsi, A Space Odyssey and other 70's cinema nuggets are on display loud and proud. But if you look closer there is a deeper message about the way we interact with each other through images. Who would have thought a simple polaroid picture would be at the technological and philosophical center of our current ever-connected way of living. The movie is presented as a trip but that doesn't mean it's all spectacle. There's a kooky artist in the desert who is like the Oracle in the Matrix, a scientist who is struggling with the ingredients of polaroid-material, and a writer about polaroids who tries to find back his mojo. Especially his quirky kid is the cutest thing ever. I would say the inventor of Polaroid has the biggest story-arc, even though he has limited screen time. The stories presented are engaging but weird in a cool way. There are even some touching and truly funny moments. I won't spoil them. It's light-years ahead of that Year Zero documentary of a couple of years ago; a straight up no frills documentary about the Impossible team starting up the old Polaroid factory. The Impossible team is also featured here but in a different capacity and at a different time. I would say this movie is just a different kind of animal. Closer to something Werner Herzog might have dreamt up in his during his early career. Klaus Kinski would have been right at home here. (Another German cult actor has a surprising cameo) The movie does have some flaws but nothing major. At certain points the slow pace dragged a bit and there was a certain brief part of the movie that didn't interest me so much. Nothing distracting. There is a lot to like and it instantly (pun intended) has become one my fav documentaries. An acquired taste maybe, but I welcomed it wholeheartedly. Saying this is a documentary just about polaroid would be doing it a big disservice. I found it ironic how a movie reflecting on the analog experience captured that genuine retro feel more then let's say the latest Blade Runner installment. (Which I also loved btw)

Really liked this movie a lot. As a photography student myself it was really inspiring to see such a philosophical (dare I say spiritual) take on photography. Made me think and revalue the essence of my (analog) work. Capturing the moment and thinking about time a lot. This movie is quite a trip with strong cinematography and visuals, which I found refreshing. I'ts not a typical documentary by a long shot and I mean that in the best way.