Pantera Film Lab

How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
It was born from the passion that both (Puma and Isidro) share through the film, the magic of the chemical process and the poetry of photography, we decided to open Pantera because we had this knowledge of photography and wanted to share it with others. What set us apart from the start was:

1.- the quality of our work on clients' material, and
2.- the need to create and unite the photographic and artistic community (which already exists) of Monterrey. 

From the beginning, we haven't just been a laboratory; we've always felt the need to also serve as a cultural space, promoting local artists and disseminating their art and vision. We also felt the need to share our knowledge and learn from the people through various workshops and activities such as city walks. 

We always focus on the community. We see Pantera as a space for friends and friends. We want it to be a space—physical, intellectual, and spiritual—where anyone who comes can feel free to express themselves through art. A space for the exchange of ideas and processes, and where bridges are built between creative souls.

What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
Our favorite space is definitely the courtyard. It's where the lab's cultural events take place, and where we have the most contact with the outside world. It's also the reception area, where we meet the people who come to us to entrust us with their materials. It's here that we create that first connection with them and where they share with us the results they're looking for with their materials. They also share their anecdotes about the rolls they leave in the lab.

If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
Definitely come in and explore the entire house, from the books you can borrow and read, the photographs hanging in the foyer, to the scanning and editing area, the development area, and finally, the gallery space where you can meet different artists and local art. And what you should see most is the patio space; it's the most striking part of the house, and beyond that, it's where the conviviality is generated. I would also say to encourage you to talk with all the people who work with your material in the lab, to get to know each other and forge those bonds we seek to create.

What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
One challenge we've encountered is staying on top of all the processes surrounding the lab's work and the management of the cultural space. We've learned to divide our roles and trust our team. We have to stay focused on everything, because everything and everyone matters. We've also had to develop and improve our communication as partners, since everyone brings and offers different perspectives. And although we don't agree 100% on many things, fortunately we've been able to balance things and both contribute from our perspectives and experiences.

What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
A major influence on the way we operate and deliver the final results to clients is Carmencita Film Lab in Europe and The Find Lab in the United States. We feel that both labs offer impeccable quality to their clients, and also manage to generate a sense of belonging among photographers and artists, with the communities these spaces generate, and with the lab itself and the staff that operates it.

What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
Those who have inspired us from the beginning until now have been our friends and ambassadors, Daniela Covarrubias, Francesca Carpinelli, Gus Malamigo, Hugo Caro and Carlos Manuel. We feel they are very aligned with our way of seeing and feeling things and life in general. They have supported us from the beginning and have always trusted us. We chose them not only for capturing photographs and memories in such a beautiful and poetic way, but also for the connection of friendship and camaraderie we feel in them. They are truly people and artists with incredible human qualities, very warm and extremely creative.

If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
Someone with whom we would love to collaborate, perhaps a talk, workshop or an exhibition, would be the Master of Mexican Photojournalism, Pedro Valtierra, we feel that his vision of photography would teach many people to see not only photography but life, in a very beautiful and objective way, denouncing what happens in the world in a very poetic and aesthetic way, in addition to having great mastery in the use of the camera, the understanding of light and a broad technical knowledge of chemicals, development and enlargement.

Is there an object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
In general, I love that we have so many objects in the lab that have been gifts from clients, friends (and even partners and ex-partners). All of these objects are distributed throughout the lab, from charms to collectible carts, camera props, cameras themselves, many photographs in various sizes, from 4x6” to large fully framed photographs, ceramic works, many panthers made of wood, stone, clay, flower pots, and various plants. All of Pantera is decorated by the people.

If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?It would definitely be a punk record, maybe Closer by Joy Division. We feel that the aesthetic of the lab, from the branding and name to the physical space, gives off a "punk" vibe. This comes from people's feedback, more than just the fact that we planned it that way, which is precisely what makes it more authentic.

And at the same time or when this punk album is finishing playing, and already feeling more confident, I would start a reggae album, maybe Feed your Spirit by B-Side Players, a calmer, more relaxed vibe, which is how I feel, and more of our personality. If you get to know the entire Pantera family, you'll realize we just want to be your friends and have a good time with you, learning and enjoying photography and life as a collective and community.

Answers by Isidro García and Puma (Luis Hernández), partners and founders of Pantera Film Lab.