The Impossible Project

In late 2008, after Polaroid ceased manufacturing of its instant film, a group supported by Ilford Photo and Harman Technology ambitiously purchased the facilities in the Netherlands which produced the film.

Polaroid's instant film has remarkably been made using the exact same recipe for several decades. The new group, Impossible BV, has set a goal to re-invent the way instant analog film is produced within just one year. It's no small undertaking and the group is faced with many challenges in re-inventing and simplifying the instant film process. Each pack of Polaroid instant film contained roughly twenty components. Some of these elements are extremely expensive, while others could be classified as hazardous or simply no longer available.

The new film, set to go on sale in 2010, will be completely compatible with existing Polaroid instant cameras, but will be sold under a new brand name. Presumably, most people will continue to call these instant photos "Polaroids."

In the meantime, unexpired packs of genuine Polaroid film are going for stunningly high prices of up to $40 per pack on eBay. At $4 per photo - or more - it's still a small price to pay for those who cannot live without instant tangible photographs for business purposes, or creative types who cannot let go of the inimitable Polaroid aesthetic.

The last batches of "real" instant film produced by Polaroid will expire before the end of 2009, which should drive prices even higher. The cost of a pack of Polaroid instant film has roughly doubled during the past twelve months.

The Impossible Project has a beautiful website detailing their challenges and progress. The site is highlighted with serene Polaroid photographs of the factory, offices, and production equipment sitting quietly unattended in Enschede, The Netherlands, and an apt quote from Polaroid inventor Edwin Land: "Don't undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible."