Behind the Build

Why We Built Filmroll: A Film Simulation App for Digital Photography

Filmroll Team

It all started with a camera — or more accurately, the lack of one.

Like many photography enthusiasts, I was excited about the Fujifilm X100VI, known for its compact size, stunning image quality, and built-in film simulations. I joined waiting lists, set restock alerts, and checked shops across the globe. But after over a year of trying, I still couldn’t get my hands on it.

At the same time, I’ve always loved film photography. The grain, tones, imperfections — they give images a nostalgic, emotional feel that’s hard to replicate. But shooting on film is expensive. Film rolls, developing, and scanning quickly add up, especially if you're shooting just for fun.

That frustration sparked an idea:
What if we could capture the look and feel of film — without the cost or gear?

That’s how Filmroll was born.
An easy-to-use film simulation web app that lets you:

  • Apply realistic film effects to your digital photos
  • Explore looks inspired by iconic film stocks

No need for rare cameras, expensive film, or complicated editing software.

A Lightweight Alternative to Lightroom

We designed Filmroll to be simple, fast, and focused. Unlike heavy editing tools like Lightroom or Photoshop, Filmroll has a clean interface with just the essentials — made for photographers who want beautiful results without a steep learning curve.

Whether you're editing on a phone, tablet, or desktop, Filmroll helps you get that 35mm film aesthetic in just a few clicks.

A New Home for Film Lovers

This isn’t about replacing film — it's about making the magic of film more accessible. Whether you’re a digital shooter curious about film, or a film lover who wants to edit in between rolls, Filmroll bridges the gap.

We’re just getting started. More features, blog posts, and tutorials are coming.
Thanks for being here and being part of the journey.

👉 Try it now: filmroll.co/

Ready to try film simulations?

Transform your photos with authentic film looks in seconds.

Try Film Simulator →