Find My Film Lab

Bengala is a film lab located in Monterrey, Mexico. We spoke with owner Daniela Villarreal about the passion behind their lab, and got details on their new Guadalajara location coming soon.

Follow Bengala on Instagram at @bengala____mx to find more of their gorgeous work.

Tell us about yourself?

Bengala was founded in 2020 by Daniela Villarreal and Rodrigo Espinosa, born out of a shared passion for art and a unique belief: light as a form of expression. What started as an idea during the pandemic—to create an online store for rolls of film and cameras—quickly grew into something bigger. We asked ourselves: what if we built a lab? And from there, Bengala as a film laboratory came to life.

From the very beginning, we imagined it as more than just a place for developing film. Bengala has become a space for connection, learning, and community—where amateurs and professionals alike can gather around their love for photography. Alongside the lab, we also run a store with cameras and film, host exhibitions featuring emerging artists, and organize workshops, photowalks, and talks to keep analog photography alive and accessible.

What do you love about analog photography?

For us, film photography is more than just the origin of photography itself—it represents community, awareness, and a much-needed pause in today’s digital world. We love how it invites reflection, patience, and a deeper connection to the image-making process. It creates spaces of exchange and dialogue that go beyond the photograph itself.

Do you have anything coming up for the lab or any special events you’d like to tell us about?

Yes! We are very excited to share that we are about to open our second lab in Guadalajara, Jalisco, in collaboration with Filmamento Shop. The new space is located in Colonia Americana, one of the city’s most vibrant cultural neighborhoods, and will include a gallery, fine art printing, and areas for exhibitions, in addition to film developing services. It’s a big step for us to connect with new audiences and expand our community.

Anything else you’d like to add?

We truly believe in photography as a way to enrich society, which is why our mission is not just about processing film—it’s about building bridges between artists, communities, and the timeless beauty of analog photography. From kids to adults, beginners to established photographers, we want everyone to feel welcome in our spaces.