Alkmaar on Film
11 Dec 2025
In addition to my work as a film lab technician with photochemistry in a darkroom, I am also a lover of 8 mm archive material. I work in my own lab for the Alkmaar Regional Archives. This documentary, “Alkmaar on film”, is compiled from 8 mm material that has passed through my hands, and it is extremely satisfying to see how those small frames can make such a powerful impression on viewers.
My work for the Alkmaar Regional Archives consists of preparing 8 mm, Super8 and 16 mm films for scanning. That may sound like a simple task, but the variety of film formats, film emulsions and the different conditions of each reel really require experience and knowledge of photochemical film. I thoroughly enjoy doing it.
My collaboration with chief curator Jesse van Dijl, who is passionate and energetic about preserving 8 mm footage for the future, is wonderful. Jesse wants to use all the films – now hidden in the archive – to tell stories, and I am happy to help.
This film premiered on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, and I was fortunate enough to attend. During the screening, I noticed that the audience was deeply engaged with what was being shown on the big screen. Emotions, recognition, experience and pride were all visible. It was a very successful premiere, and I heard that all screenings through Christmas 2025 were already sold out.
Also view the website of Historische Vereniging Alkmaar, or click here to go directly to the interview with Erik Willems, the director. Guido Bruin digitized the 8 mm films for this documentary.