2014
First Run Features
1 h 30 m

2014
First Run Features
1 h 30 m

Summary The first documentary to explore the role of photography in shaping the identity, aspirations and social emergence of African Americans from slavery to the present, Through a Lens Darkly probes the recesses of American history by discovering images that have been suppressed, forgotten and lost. Bringing to light the hidden and unknown ph...

Directed By: Thomas Allen Harris

Written By: Paul Carter Harrison, Don Perry, Deborah Willis, Thomas Allen Harris

2014
First Run Features
1 h 30 m

2014
First Run Features
1 h 30 m

Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers And The Emergence Of A People

Name: Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers And The Emergence Of A People
Genre: Documentary, Family, History
Released: 2014-08-27
Duration: 1 min 30 s
Rating: 64
Cast: Arthé Anthony, Anthony Barboza, Hugh Bell, David G. Berger, Dawoud Bey

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews

User Score Available after 4 ratings

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Where to Watch

Directed By: Thomas Allen Harris

Written By: Paul Carter Harrison, Don Perry, Deborah Willis, Thomas Allen Harris

Where to Watch

Critic Reviews

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Metascore

Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews

55% Positive
6 Reviews

45% Mixed
5 Reviews

0% Negative
0 Reviews

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Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

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Metascore

Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews

55% Positive
6 Reviews

45% Mixed
5 Reviews

0% Negative
0 Reviews

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Los Angeles Times

Nov 13, 2014

Some of the black photographers' works here are breathtaking — and may prompt you to hunt down Willis' book for the coffee table. But there's so much more to take away from Harris' documentary.

By Martin Tsai FULL REVIEW

Washington Post

Dec 11, 2014

The power of images — to distort, define, denigrate and celebrate — emerges with clarity and force in Through a Lens Darkly, a fascinating, visually stunning, emotionally devastating documentary by Thomas Allen Harris.

By Ann Hornaday FULL REVIEW

Christian Science Monitor

Aug 29, 2014

The implicit question overhanging the film: Is the political impetus to present only “positive” imagery of black people an injustice to the fullest range of their experience?

By Peter Rainer FULL REVIEW

Slant Magazine

Aug 24, 2014

Thomas Allen Harris's documentary consistently takes agency away from the art itself with a litany of talking heads.

By Clayton Dillard FULL REVIEW

The Dissolve

Aug 26, 2014

Director Thomas Allen Harris, who has a background in transmedia art, has made an earnest, though often sloppy, documentary on the essential role imagery plays in shaping the narrative of a people.

By Andrew Lapin FULL REVIEW

Time Out

Aug 24, 2014

The survey the film provides is bracing, and there are plenty of talking heads to guide us through the kaleidoscope of imagery. Unfortunately, there’s also a public-television vibe to the proceedings that mutes the overall power. It’s essential info presented with little imagination.

By Keith Uhlich FULL REVIEW

Village Voice

Aug 26, 2014

Would that Harris had simply let the images and their historical context speak for themselves. His narration is simplistic and narcissistic... and the textual ideas he and his interviewees present about the intersection between race and imagery are hardly fresh.

By Michael Atkinson FULL REVIEW

See All 11 Critic Reviews

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Details

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Production Company K Period Media, Through a Lens Darkly

Release Date Aug 27, 2014

Duration 1 h 30 m

Genres

Website http://firstrunfeatures.com/throughalensdarkly.html

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Awards

African Movie Academy Awards

• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations

Los Angeles Pan African Film Festival

• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

Image Awards (NAACP)

• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers And The Emergence Of A People

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Top Cast

Arthé Anthony

Self

Anthony Barboza

Self

Hugh Bell

Self

David G. Berger

Self

Dawoud Bey

Self

Sheila Pree Bright

Self

Marcus Bruce

Self

Michael Chambers

Self

Albert Chong

Self

Lisa Gail Collins

Self

Bridget Cooks

Self

Adger W. Cowans

Self

Renee Cox

Self

C. Daniel Dawson

Self

Roy DeCarava

Self

Jonathan Eubanks

Self

Delphine Fawundu-Buford

Self

Cheryl Finley

Self

Lola Flash

Self

Jack T. Franklin

Self

Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews

User Reviews

User Reviews

Details

Details

Awards

Awards

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