Montreal film lab to close as filmmakers call for support
Quebec film lab closure threatens one of North America's last 16 mm, 35 mm labs Petition supporters urge action to save a vital celluloid resource for artists
A Quebec film production facility that houses one of the few North American labs still able to develop 16 mm and 35 mm film for professional use is set to shut down in the coming months.
MELS president Patrick Jutras said the closure is tied to weaker investment in local audiovisual production and a lack of competitive tax incentives to attract foreign projects to Montreal. He said the company is relocating some postproduction services, but the photochemical lab and a projection room will be closed.
Filmmakers and supporters have responded with a petition to save the lab, arguing that film remains an important medium for students, artists and productions that still work on celluloid. The issue comes as Quebec’s film sector faces pressure from changing market conditions, digital production trends and broader shifts in the industry.