In a California lab that may be the last of its kind, Christopher Nolan completed 'The Odyssey' — the first feature film ever shot entirely on IMAX film stock — at FotoKem, the world's sole remaining 70mm print facility. The choice is less a nostalgic gesture than a philosophical one: a belief that the highest fidelity of human vision deserves the highest fidelity of capture. In an age when entire industries dissolve quietly into the digital stream, Nolan's act raises the oldest question in craft: what do we lose when we stop making things the hard way?
CBS News
· May 17, 2026
· technology
· 1 min read
High
Sourcing: Verified
Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Makes History as First Feature Shot Entirely on IMAX Film
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Culture & Arts
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Bias & Framing
⚖
CBS News presents Nolan's technical achievement neutrally, emphasizing historical significance of analog filmmaking preservation without apparent advocacy or criticism.
Bias Direction
center
Confidence
MED
Achievement-focused framing that celebrates technological milestone and analog preservation as inherently noteworthy, positioning Nolan's choice as historically significant rather than examining broader industry implications.
Makes History
milestone in cinema technology
preservation
the world's last 70mm print lab
Digital filmmaking advocates or perspectives on digital technology advantages
Cost-benefit analysis or practical concerns about IMAX film production
Environmental impact of 70mm film production vs. digital alternatives
Accessibility concerns for theaters lacking IMAX capabilities
Industry experts discussing sustainability of analog film infrastructure
Geopolitical Impact
🌎
This article concerns cinema technology and filmmaking, not geopolitics; no international implications exist.
Escalation Risk
low
Confidence
HIGH
Economic Lens
📈
Nolan's 'The Odyssey' represents a niche investment in analog IMAX filmmaking, supporting specialized infrastructure but with limited broader economic impact due to small market segment.
Market Signal
neutral
Confidence
MED
Motion picture production
Film processing and laboratory services
Cinema exhibition
Equipment manufacturing (specialized)
Preservation technology
Minimal direct impact on average consumers. Benefits primarily cinephiles and IMAX theater patrons willing to pay premium prices for specialized theatrical experiences. May increase ticket prices for this specific film.
Potential government support for analog film preservation as cultural heritage; possible tax incentives for analog filmmaking; discussions around supporting legacy film infrastructure to prevent further lab closures.