BLACK HOLE COLLECTIVE FILM LAB

Black Hole Collective Film Lab (BHCFL) began in 2014 as an organized effort to provide an affordable community film lab in Oakland, California (situated on unceded Chochenyo and Ohlone territory). BHCFL’s technical focus is on motion picture film (mostly Super 8mm and 16mm), but our darkroom is also outfitted for B&W and color still photography. As a group focusing on non-commercial photochemical image-making in the “digital age,” we are part of a growing international network of artist-run film labs working toward the reclamation of the means of production from a rapidly disappearing industry, to preserve and make accessible an endangered tradition of artmaking.

Following a 2021 eviction from our previous West Oakland location and the placement of our equipment in storage, we relocated to a new space east of Lake Merritt in 2022 and began the process of building out a new long-term home for the lab.

As a collectively organized moving image film lab, we operate as an inward-facing non-hierarchical group that emphasizes sharing knowledge about photochemical filmmaking amongst our members and offer no commercial services to the public. Members are responsible for paying monthly dues, participating in monthly collective meetings, volunteering for rotating roles, and/or assisting with the various duties in maintaining and running the lab.

BHCFL tries to always maintain an inventory of basic chemistry for B&W and color negative, positive, and reversal processes available to all members. The darkroom holds necessary equipment for safely mixing chemistry, processing motion picture film with spiral reel (Lomo) tanks, and temperature control for color processes. Members have access to the Bell & Howell Model J 16mm contact printer in the darkroom. B&W and color 16mm print stocks for use on the contact printer are available through collective bulk ordering from Kodak.

The darkroom includes safelights, a revolving darkroom door, exhaust fans for adequate ventilation and aims to follow best practices for safe disposal of toxic photo chemistry.

The lab also has editorial equipment for 16mm and 8mm filmmaking, including rewinds, reels, split-reels, splicers, projectors, a DIY title stand and a 16mm Showchron 6-plate flatbed editor.

Active members of BHCFL hold keys to the building and may access the lab 24 hours, 7 days a week. A shared calendar is used to schedule and reserve darkroom time in advance.

Contact us at blackholefilmlab@gmail.com