Behind the booth: Smart Films International 

Privacy on demand used to mean blinds, curtains, and compromise. Smart Films International has spent more than 25 years proving there’s a better way. Ahead of New York Build, we spoke with Ronen Lin, Business Director, about how switchable film is reshaping offices, healthcare spaces, and commercial interiors. 

Q: For readers who may be new to smart film, what does Smart Films International actually do? 

 
Put simply, we manufacture switchable privacy film. This is a liquid crystal film that turns from clear to opaque instantly, at the flick of a switch. We’ve been doing this for more than 25 years, with large-scale roll-to-roll manufacturing in Asia and a strong presence in the US. What that experience gives us is reliability – this isn’t experimental technology. It’s been installed and working in real buildings for decades. 

Q: What problem does smart film solve better than traditional options? 

 
Speed and simplicity. Curtains and blinds take time, require maintenance, and collect dirt. Smart film switches in less than a second. There are no moving parts and nothing to clean beyond the glass itself. In offices, that means meeting rooms that are instantly private. In healthcare, it removes a major contamination risk and improves patient flow. 

Q: You’ve developed retrofit solutions as well. Why was that important? 

 
Most buildings already exist, and replacing glass is expensive and disruptive. Our retrofit film applies directly to existing glass, which means offices, clinics, and auditoriums can upgrade without tearing anything out. It opens the door for improvements that simply weren’t practical before. 

Q: Beyond privacy, are there other functional benefits? 

 
Absolutely. The film blocks over 99.5% of UV and reduces infrared radiation, which supports occupant wellbeing. It also creates new uses for glass – whiteboards in offices, projection surfaces in retail, or dynamic storefront displays that switch between visibility and media content. 

Q: Who typically specifies or installs your products? 

 
Architects and designers are key because they define the building experience early on. We also work closely with glass companies and window film installers. For installers, we provide full training, tools, and materials, from cutting and wiring through to installation, so they can confidently add smart film to their offering. 

Q: What should visitors expect to see from you at New York Build? 

 
They’ll see and touch the product. We’re bringing different film types, colors, and sizes, and demonstrating how fast the switching really is. Once people see it in person, it clicks immediately. We’re looking forward to conversations with architects, interior designers, contractors, and installers who want practical solutions they can deploy right now.