About the Film

Capturing Joy is a documentary film that celebrates the enduring legacy and visionary artistry of Black photographers who have documented the lives, dreams, and struggles of their communities with depth, dignity, and grace. Through a rich tapestry of interviews, archival images, and lyrical storytelling, the film uncovers the often-overlooked contributions of these visual storytellers to American history and global culture.

Spanning decades of photographic excellence—from the civil rights era to the digital age—Capturing Joy explores how Black photographers used their cameras as tools of resistance, preservation, and radical joy. The film brings to life the stories behind the lens—of artists who captured truth with light and shadow, crafting a counter-narrative to mainstream media representations.

At a time when image and representation are more important than ever, Capturing Joy honors those who framed their communities with love, complexity, and unflinching honesty.