An Interview with Film Director Papajay

Papajay is a Hong Kong-based film director who joined the LomoKino Festival in 2013. An expert at shooting movies using film, Papajay still shoots using Super 8 and Super 16 cameras for his film projects. This time, he tried a very rare medium for film-making — LomoChrome Purple 16mm Motion Film.

Name: Papajay
Company: Papajay Pictures
Film: LomoChrome Purple 16mm Motion Film

Why do you use 16mm and 8mm film to shoot movies?

I enjoy the waiting process for the film to develop. Since I can’t immediately see the result when I’ve finished filming, I have to send it to Japan and have to wait for at least 6 days to see how it turned out. I worry every time that the films will be lost. The most interesting thing is that once I can see the results, I will know if the picture is the same as in my mind when I took it. I could never give up taking photos and videos with film because its texture can never be replaced by a digital camera. So, film shouldn’t be eliminated.

What was your reaction when you learned that Lomography issued a new 16mm film?

I wanted to know where I could purchase it immediately and where I could develop it. As the biggest problem when using Super 8 or Super 16 cameras is developing the film. There is only a few places that provide the developing service in the world (Hong Kong excluded). And 16mm film is one of my favorites, so I was very excited about it.

How is LomoChrome Purple 16mm Motion Film compared to other 16mm films that you have used? What is the difference?

The biggest difference is the color. Other films would not turn green colors into purples, but LomoChrome Purple 16mm Motion Film does. That is its novelty.

Can you share the story behind the video you took with LomoChrome Purple 16mm Motion Film?

To be honest, there is no big difference between taking this video and my past shooting experiences. However, the difficulty that I faced was related to the camera I shot with, which was made in the ’70s. Does the camera still work? How about the battery? The most important thing is the right timing. This time, I chose an evening to shoot. The shooting process was quite smooth.

What attracted you to use LomoChrome Purple 16mm Motion Film?

In fact, the format of the film itself is enough to attract me to use it. The smell when opening the box of film or the sound produced when filming excites me. The grainy image is the uniqueness of 16mm film. Though a digital camera might make a similar effect, why not just use a real one to make it? Film always surprises me.

Will you use LomoChrome Purple 16mm in the future?

Yes. Definitely. It’d be better if Lomography would offer the developing service also.

Can you share your upcoming project or any plans?

I hope I can use LomoChrome Purple 16mm Motion Film or other Lomography films to cooperate with other brands or companies. I hope to use film to record some precious moments.

Want to shoot your own experimental 16mm movies with a lovely vintage look? Lomochrome Purple 16mm Motion Film delivers a nice color shift, ranging from soft purples to rich emerald greens. It’s available in very limited quantities only, so if you’re shooting 16mm film or know someone who does, it’s best to stock up while supplies last! Order now!

written by kasim-lks on 2015-11-11 #people #videos #16mm #lomoamigo #papajay #lomochrome-purple-16mm