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This would never be clear to a film goer, but the differences between working with film and video are plenty. The operation during production and in post-production need to be considered when making a decision on which to use for your movie.

Weight, Size

Film movie cameras are heavy and big. No matter how you measure a film camera, it can never get as small as the smallest camcorder. This isn't a problem for most productions, but for those trying to "steal" locations and fly under the radar of authorities a hard to hide camera doesn't help the situation. Also for your guerrilla handheld operations it can get tiring fast to have to hold one of these beasts. The weight does help from shaking too much and may give you a more stable image but if you can't get a shot off because everyone keeps noticing you have a camera than what's the point.

Reel Length, Hassle

A reel of film is bigger than a video tape or memory card. It follows that size for size you can never have more minutes-worth of film that you can of video. In fact, at maximum most movie film cameras can only hold 22 minutes worth of stock. This doesn't just mean you can't do a single shot over 22 minutes, it means you have to change stock every 22 minutes. Changing film cartridges isn't like popping in another video tape or memory card. Somebody (in the dark) has to unload the exposed film and load the new film, thread it in the camera and then continue shooting. The worst part about the whole changing process is that any exposure of light to the stock could make any subsequent filming useless. At least with video you just have to look out for magnets.

Expense, Availability

The price of two hours worth of film stock, of any type, will be about as expensive as a decent prosumer camcorder. That's just stock. You have to have a camera to be able to use that stock. These cameras are usually more expensive than camcorders and generally not available for sale. You can rent them, but rental places are only located in areas that are movie making capitals. Once shot, you then have to pay for it to be developed. Though these places will take your stuff through the mail, film stock is heavy and expensive to ship. You probably don't want to or can't edit using film stock so you will likely want a video transfer to do initial edits. That's extra.

This may sound like an anti-film diatribe but it's not. I still think film is the most potent way to exhibit a movie and commands the most attention from an audience even if at an unconscious level. I do think it's important to understand the trade-offs when choosing any medium with which to record your work. Without a doubt, I can say that first time directors should not use film, though. Do it on video and if it turns out to be awesome you can reshoot on film or just use it to move on with a little more gusto to your next picture.

The medium you use should be helpful to the project and not a hindrance. Reflect upon your level of expertise and the subject matter and visual nature of your film. Then make the best decision you can.