The documentary explores how African Americans have used photography as a tool for social change, illuminating the hidden, little known and under-appreciated stories of African Americans transforming themselves and the nation through the power of the camera lens. The film also explores how contemporary photographers and artists like Deborah Willis, Carrie Mae Weems, Lorna Simpson, Anthony Barboza, Lyle Ashton Harris, Hank Willis Thomas, Glenn Ligon, Coco Fusco and Clarissa Sligh, have built upon the legacy of early Black photographers while trying to reconcile a past that those who came before us would rather forget.

"Through A Lens Darkly" is part of a larger transmedia project roadshow that includes the website/traveling roadshow "Digital Diaspora Family Reunion," which invites audiences to share and upload their own family photographs and participate in the creation of a global family archive that can form communities. The photos are uploaded via Instagram or Twitter through the #1World1Family hashtag and put into the "One World – One Family" global family album, where all are connected.

Kimberly Steward and John Singleton are Executive Producers of the project.

No word on future theatrical playdates after the film’s NYC theatrical premiere at Film Forum, but when we know more, so will you.

Read our review of the film here.

Watch the first trailer below: