Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People

"Through a Lens Darkly" presents fascinating images of Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass in abolitionist propaganda portraits, and of black Union soldiers and black Reconstruction legislators, to support the idea that photography allowed black people to represent themselves and counter racist stereotypes. The film's organizing concept is inherently an elitist and limiting one, however, with an increasingly narrow focus on the few who could afford to have the camera record their accomplishments and their prosperity.

Do you remember when you first looked closely at a picture of yourself? If you're African American, in particular, did you like what you saw, or was the image staring back at you one that was darkened, and clouded, by what the world had already taught you, or those around you, about blackness?

This documentary is a surprising blend of art history, personal essay, and social critique. You'll learn about many photographers, including some you may not already know.

Thank you Thomas Allen Harris. I saw your film last night and the theatre was packed with an incredibly diverse crowd of native people, black and white folk, students, educators, an Italian playwright, old couples, interracial couples, lgbt community, elders...