The first documentary to explore the role of photography in shaping the identities, aspirations, and social emergence of African Americans, Through a Lens Darkly probes the recesses of American history, bringing to light images captured by African American photographers that have been suppressed, forgotten, and lost. These images reveal a complex and nuanced view of American culture and society and its founding ideals. Inspired by Deborah Willis’s book Reflections in Black and featuring the works of Carrie Mae Weems, Lorna Simpson, Anthony Barboza, Hank Willis Thomas, Coco Fusco, Clarissa Sligh and many others, Through a Lens Darkly introduces the viewer to a diverse yet focused community of storytellers who transform singular experiences into a communal journey of discovery – and a call to action. Directed by Thomas Allen Harris, the film is distributed by First Run Features and has a run time of ninety minutes.
Preregistration is encouraged. Find out why.
In the event that a program is modified, postponed, or cancelled, we reach out via email to all who have preregistered. If a significant change is made on short notice, your preregistration helps to ensure that you get the word from us in the most timely manner possible.
Registering for programs in advance also helps our staff to assess set-up needs beforehand, reducing the need for last-minute adjustments to numbers of chairs, tables, etc. Further, it streamlines the check-in process when you arrive and allows us to keep you in the loop about other upcoming programs that might be of interest!