In an era dominated by high-definition cameras, CGI and instant digital sharing, one might assume that analog formats like Super 8mm would fade into obscurity. Instead, against all odds, Super 8mm continues to thrive, captivating filmmakers, photographers, and storytellers alike. Its enduring charm lies in nostalgia and in its unique aesthetic and ability to evoke raw, emotional narratives that digital mediums often struggle to replicate.
THE APPEAL OF IMPERFECTION
Super 8mm film has an unmistakable aesthetic made of grainy textures, warm color tones, light leaks, and occasional scratches that breathe life into every frame. Unlike the clinical precision of digital footage, Super 8mm’s imperfections are its greatest asset. These visual quirks add authenticity and emotional depth, making stories feel more intimate and personal.
One of the most memorable projects where Super 8mm’s aesthetic truly enhanced the storytelling was a short film I created to capture the essence of a family reunion at an old countryside villa. The film’s imperfections, light leaks flaring unexpectedly, grain across the frames, and slight overexposure in some shots, ended up becoming integral to the narrative. These flaws mirrored the raw, unfiltered emotions of the gathering: laughter inancient walls, children running through sunny gardens, and elderly relatives sharing stories with both joy and nostalgia. The spontaneous imperfections of Super 8mm brought an authenticity that no digital filter could replicate, making the memories feel even more vivid and heartfelt when watched later.
This aesthetic isn’t just about looking “vintage.” It’s about creating a visceral experience. The flicker of the film, the subtle shifts in exposure, and the organic feel of the grain transport viewers into a world where emotions aren’t polished but raw and real. For storytellers, this means an opportunity to convey a sense of time, place, and mood that resonates on a deeper, more human level.
A SLOWER, MORE INTENTIONAL PROCESS
In the digital realm, shooting endless takes and reviewing footage instantly is the norm. Super 8mm, however, demands a different mindset. With limited film rolls and no immediate playback, filmmakers must plan meticulously and shoot with intention. Every frame counts, encouraging a disciplined approach to composition, lighting, and narrative structure.
I remember a particular project, a short documentary I filmed during a road trip along the Amalfi Coast. With only a limited number of film cartridges and no option to review footage on the spot, I had to be exceptionally mindful of each shot. This constraint forced me to slow down, fully immerse myself in the environment, and anticipate the moments worth capturing. It heightened my awareness of natural light, composition, and timing. Interestingly, these limitations sparked more creativity, I experimented with unconventional angles and spontaneous scenes I might have overlooked with a digital camera. The result was a collection of raw, candid visuals that authentically reflected the essence of the journey, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.
This constraint fosters creativity. Knowing that there’s no “fixing it in post” pushes storytellers to be present, deliberate, and connected to the subject matter. It’s a return to the fundamentals of visual storytelling, where the focus shifts from quantity to quality, from perfection to authenticity.
THE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION
Super8 isn’t just a medium; it’s an experience. The tactile sensation of loading film, the whirring sound of the camera, and the anticipation of developing the footage create a deep emotional connection between the creator and their work. This connection often translates to the audience, who can sense the passion and effort infused in every frame.
One project that holds a special place in my heart is a short film I created of a couple of fellow photographers when they were in Naples this past fall. Using Super 8mm felt like the perfect choice to capture the quiet energy of the city on a cloudy day, alongside the joyful moments we shared. The tactile process of loading the film, the distinctive whir of the camera, and the anticipation of developing the footage made me feel deeply connected to every frame I shot. Watching them wander through my home places, on the seaside, interact with each other, and pause to frame their own shots was incredibly intimate. The imperfections of Super 8, the grain, the flickers of light, and occasional overexposures, added an authentic, almost dreamlike quality to the film. It felt like capturing not just moments, but the emotions embedded within them. This project wasn’t just about documenting a visit; it was about preserving the essence of their bond, creativity, and the timeless allure of Naples through a medium that made every second feel precious. This project wasn’t just about capturing moments; it was about honoring them, and Super 8 helped me do that in the most meaningful way.
Super 8 has a timeless quality indeed. Watching Super 8 mm footage, whether from the 1970s or shot yesterday, evokes a sense of nostalgia and universality. It blurs the line between past and present, making personal stories feel both unique and universally relatable.
SUPER 8 VIDEO IN CONTEMPORARY STORYTELLING
Despite its analog roots, Super 8 mm has found a new home in contemporary storytelling. Indie filmmakers, music video directors, and even commercial advertisers are embracing its aesthetic to stand out in a saturated digital landscape. Films like “The Florida Project” and music videos by artists like Beyonce and Billie Eilish have incorporated Super 8mm to add authenticity and emotional weight to their visuals.
I’ve seen Super 8 used incredibly effectively in modern media, particularly in projects that aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia or raw emotional authenticity. One standout example is the film “Mid90s” directed by Jonah Hill, where Super 8 footage beautifully complements the story’s coming-of-age themes, adding layers of warmth and realism to the skateboarding scenes. Additionally, the music video for Lana Del Rey’s “Ride” uses Super 8mm to create an ethereal, timeless quality that perfectly matches the song’s melancholic, free-spirited vibe.
In my own work, I’ve integrated Super 8mm to capture candid, spontaneous moments that would lose their charm if overproduced. For instance, while filming street scenes in Italy, I used Super 8 to document the vibrant chaos of local markets, fleeting interactions between strangers, and the ever-changing light across historic facades. The film’s texture and imperfections elevated these everyday moments, making them feel almost poetic, as if time itself had been preserved within each frame. This blend of documentary spontaneity with Super 8’s unique aesthetic has become a defining element of my storytelling approach.
Hybrid workflows also make it easier to integrate Super 8 with digital editing tools. Scanning Super 8 film into high-resolution digital formats allows for color grading, editing, and distribution without losing its analog charm. This fusion offers the best of both worlds: the warmth of film with the convenience of digital.
THE FUTURE OF SUPER 8 MM
Kodak’s decision to revive Super 8 mm cameras and film stocks in recent years is a testament to its enduring relevance. Workshops, online communities, and festivals dedicated to Super 8 are thriving, nurturing a new generation of storytellers passionate about analog film.
I believe Super 8 will continue to inspire storytellers because it offers a tangible connection to the creative process and an aesthetic that evokes genuine emotion. In an age where perfection is easily achieved with digital tools, Super 8 reminds us of the beauty found in imperfection and spontaneity. Its raw, authentic visuals have the power to transport viewers to a different place and to a different feeling entirely.
As for my future projects, I plan to explore Super 8 more deeply by incorporating it into personal documentary-style films and artistic projects that focus on intimate human experiences. I want to capture not just what people do, but how they feel in specific moments – something Super 8 enhances effortlessly. Whether it’s the energy of street photography, quiet portraits, or travel diaries that showcase moments of life, Super 8 mm will remain a central part of my storytelling toolkit, helping me create work that resonates emotionally and stands the test of time.
Especially in this moment, Super 8 stands as a reminder of the power of intentional, heartfelt storytelling. Its imperfections, process and emotional resonance make it more than just a format, it’s a medium that continues to matter, inspiring stories that linger long after the film has stopped rolling.
Super 8’s significance goes beyond nostalgia. It offers a distinct aesthetic, encourages intentional storytelling and a deep emotional connection between creators and audiences. In a world obsessed with perfection, Super 8 celebrates the beauty of imperfection, reminding us that the heart of storytelling lies not in flawless images but in the authentic emotions they convey.
My journey with Super 8 has been transformative, both creatively and personally. Working with Super 8 has taught me the value of patience, intention, and embracing imperfection. Super 8 encourages me to let go of control, to trust the process, and to find beauty in the unexpected.
Through each project, I’ve discovered that storytelling isn’t just about what you capture, but how you capture it. The tactile nature of loading film, the distinct sound of the camera, and the anticipation of seeing the developed footage have become integral to my creative process. Super 8 has helped me reconnect with the fundamental emotions behind my work – curiosity, nostalgia, and a desire to preserve the ephemeral.
Ultimately, Super 8 has reshaped my storytelling philosophy. It has shown me that authenticity often lies in the imperfect, that raw emotions resonate more deeply than polished images, and that every frame holds a story worth telling. As I continue to explore this medium, I carry with me not just the aesthetic lessons it offers but a renewed passion for creating work that feels honest, heartfelt, and timeless.