February 8th, 2008, Polaroid announced that it would completely cease production of analog film by the end of the year. The bulky, molded plastic camera, along with the instant film, were left to die out in the dust covered boxes of your parents and grandparents attics. That was until one man, Australian photography lover and avid admirer of Polaroid film formed The Impossible Project. The project, “has been founded with the concrete aim to re-invent and re-start production of analog INTEGRAL FILM for vintage Polaroid cameras.”
“Impossible [...] has acquired the complete film production equipment in Enschede (NL) from Polaroid, has signed a 10-year lease agreement on the factory building; and has engaged the most experienced team of Integral Film experts worldwide.”
“The Impossible mission is NOT to re-build Polaroid Integral film but (with the help of strategic partners) to develop a new product with new characteristics, consisting of new optimized components, produced with a streamlined modern setup. An innovative and fresh analog material, sold under a new brand name that perfectly will match the global re-positioning of Integral Films” (The Impossible Project).
So now here’s where you come into play. Urban Outfitters has teamed up with The Impossible Project to help them breath life into the rehabilitation of Polaroid film. “When Polaroid ended instant film production in 2008, The Impossible Project picked up where they left off—purchasing a Polaroid factory and equipment in Holland. Now they’re on track to start producing their own instant film in early 2010. We’re proud to support them with exclusive Polaroid product and an exhibiton of Polaroid photography.”
“On September 28th, Urban Outfitters proudly presents deadstock original Polaroid type 779 instant film and a limited edition of 700 hand-numbered deadstock Polaroid camera kits” in order to raise money for the project (Urban Outfitters).
The even will going down at select Urban Outfitters so check out here for details.
[The Impossible Project / Urban Outfitters]
