In Guatemala City, Fabriccio Díaz and Lucía Ramírez run Arca Film Lab, the only operational photo film development lab in Central America, catering to a growing clientele and promoting community through analogue photography.
Reviving Analogue: A Young Couple’s Journey in Film Development
Reviving Analogue: A Young Couple’s Journey in Film Development
Meet Fabriccio and Lucía, who transformed their passion for photography into a thriving analogue film lab, bridging nostalgia with community engagement.
In the heart of Guatemala City, a young couple is revolutionizing the world of photography through their commitment to analogue film. Fabriccio Díaz, 28, and Lucía Ramírez, 25, have turned a shared passion into the thriving Arca Film Lab, the sole fully operational film development lab in Central America. “It all started as a small passion project,” Fabriccio recalls. Their venture, which launched in September 2023 as a simple Instagram service, now boasts over 60 clients a month and has processed more than 800 rolls of film this year.
The couple’s expertise is remarkable, as they learned the intricate art of film development largely from YouTube tutorials and support from international film lab experts. “We were surprised that so many seasoned professionals shared their knowledge with us," says Fabriccio, expressing gratitude for the community’s encouragement. Their love for photography extends beyond development; they host community "photo walks" in Antigua, inviting photography enthusiasts of all ages to explore and capture images using their vintage cameras.
Young film aficionados like Iván Ortiz, 22, appreciate the unique experience analogue photography offers. "It's like having nostalgia for a generation we were never part of," he explains, reveling in the tangible results that film provides. Steven López, 33, a traveler documenting Mayan culture, agrees, celebrating the benefits of holding physical prints compared to digital files.
However, the couple’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Accessibility to quality analogue cameras and film is limited in the region, and acquiring the necessary chemicals for film development involves navigating cumbersome regulations. "The process has been painstakingly slow," Fabriccio admits, pointing to the bureaucratic hurdles for importing essential materials.
Despite these obstacles, the couple remains committed to maintaining a personalized touch for each of their customers. Lucía shares how clients sometimes send sweet treats with their film, which she reciprocates with handwritten notes. They emphasize that their business is not about mass production but about fostering connection and individuality.
The film development process occurs entirely within their home, where precision is key. “Temperature and exposure time must be exact to ensure quality results,” Fabriccio explains. Each film roll passes through meticulous hands, creating a sense of intimacy in each exposure. Their family also includes Toto, a four-month-old cat playfully dubbed the lab’s quality control officer.
As they continue to gain momentum, Fabriccio and Lucía have expanded their operations to El Salvador and hope to strengthen ties with film giants like CineStill and Eastman Kodak. Their ultimate dream is to elevate the cinematography scene in Central America, fueled by community passion and expertise. “With Arca Film Lab, we have started a movement,” Fabriccio expresses, eager to inspire further growth and enthusiasm around the art of analogue photography.
