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 has a run time of ninety minutes.