ORWO, short for Original Wolfen, originated in the early 20th century as part of the German company Agfa, which established the Wolfen plant in Germany as a major film production site. In the 1930s, Agfa’s Wolfen location became renowned for pioneering Agfacolor, an early and significant color film process. Following World War II and Germany's division, the plant fell under East German control, where it was nationalized and rebranded as ORWO in 1964, marking the brand’s debut as an independent entity.

Throughout the Cold War, ORWO became the primary supplier of black-and-white and color film across the Eastern Bloc. Known for its distinctive, high-quality stocks in formats like 16mm, 35mm, and 70mm, ORWO was a staple for photographers and filmmakers in East Germany and beyond. However, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 led to a swift decline, as reunified Germany opened up to Western brands like Kodak, ultimately resulting in ORWO’s bankruptcy and cessation of film production in 1994.

In the early 2000s, ORWO experienced a revival as analog film regained popularity. Now operated by FilmoTec GmbH, ORWO began producing black-and-white film stocks that appealed to indie filmmakers and vintage enthusiasts, who appreciated the films' high contrast and unique aesthetic. Today, ORWO holds a niche position in the market, beloved by photographers and filmmakers worldwide for its analog authenticity and historic character.