In the course of the 19th century, various precursors of motion picture projection were developed. In the 1870s-1880s a substantial rate of pictures per second was attained. Celluloid film was produced from 1888 onwards. The use of film in cinemas called for a further increase in quality. Out of many forms and systems, standardized formats of 35 mm, 28 mm, and 16 mm were agreed upon in 1924. Film for home use was developed in formats of 16 and 9.5 mm, double 8 (R.8), and Super 8. The manufacture of film material is explained, illustrated with cross sections through the various layers of black-and-white film and color film: backing (anti-curl layer), base (0.055 ), substratum (a thin adhesive layer), emulsion (either one layer for black-and-white or three layers for color film), and a protective layer. The chemistry and technique of the preparation of the silver halide emulsion are indicated, and the way the sensitivity to light has been influenced and increased. The decomposition of cellulose trinitrate film is sketched and the effects on the silver image are mentioned. The fire hazard is stressed. As a function of the degree of decay, the temperature of spontaneous ignition is lowered to as low as 41°C. A fire of nitrate film can produce a temperature of up to 1700°C. Proper storage measures are mentioned. A summary is given of various polymer materials used for safety film (cellulose-tri-acetate and polyesters derived from polythene). Methods for the identification of the different materials are discussed. Storage of films has to take the risks involved into account, e.g., the amount of film placed together, the distance to the nearest building, a properly low subterranean water level, temperature, and relative humidity. The different materials all require their own particular storage conditions. Films that have been stored at low temperatures require a period of acclimitization before being used, because of the risk of condensation.