Documentary Explores Use of Photography in Black Community

The city of Roswell will host a free screening of the documentary “Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People” on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

The document will be shown at at Aurora Cineplex at 5100 Commerce Parkway in Roswell from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Following the film, renowned Atlanta photographer, Sheila Pree Bright, who appears briefly in the film, will host a 30-minute discussion about the film.

Inspired by Deborah Willis’s book, “Reflections in Black,” the film casts a broad net that begins with filmmaker Thomas Allen Harris’s family album. The film embraces both historical material and contemporary images made by such luminaries as Roy DeCarava, Gordon Parks and Carrie Mae Weems.

The New York Times’ David Gonzalez states, “A sweeping narrative that traces from the 19th century to the 21st how African-Americans presented themselves in their own photos.”

“Sheila Pree Bright participated in the 2014 Roswell Roots with an exhibition at Barrington Hall as well as a panel discussion about her work,” said Morgan Timmis, Historic and Cultural Affairs manager for Roswell. “We are thrilled to be working with her again this year and hear her perspective on this film.”

Roswell Roots: A Festival of Black History and Culture is one of the largest and most comprehensive celebrations of black history and culture in the Southeast. This year there will be 28 different events over the 28 days of February ranging from music and art exhibitions to panel discussions and poetry.

The festival has grown over the years and last year was awarded the Gold Award for Best Cultural Event by the Southeast Festival and Events Association.

For a full listing of Roswell Roots events, visit www.roswellroots.com.