Find My Film Lab

FilmNeverDie Beijing opened in August 2024, a sister lab to the Melbourne location which has operated since 2011. We spoke with the lab about their team, their love of analog photography, and what they have coming up.

1. Tell us about yourself!

FilmNeverDie Beijing opened in August 2024, as a branch of FilmNeverDie in China. It’s led by Yichen who previously worked at FilmNeverDie Melbourne and later invested in the company. He brought this one-stop film lab model back to China, combining his experience from Australia with local customer habits — from cloud delivery to communication. We also serve many international visitors and have set up a 24-hour film vending machine in Beijing.

2. What do you love about analog photography?

I like how simple it is. Once you understand the basics, you don’t have to overthink filters or editing — you can focus more on the subject and the moment, and develop your own style naturally.

3. Anything coming up or special events?

We host monthly color and black & white darkroom workshops, along with regular photowalks. The idea is to bring people together through film and build a community around it.

4. Anything else?

Film, for us, is a way to create connections — between people, places, and ways of seeing.