Duke Ellington's Harlem salon captured in new documentary

The documentary film ‘Once Upon a Time in Harlem’ is set for theatrical release on October 16, featuring footage shot 54 years ago. The film, a work of cinema verite, captures a 1972 cocktail party held at the Harlem brownstone of Duke Ellington.

Conceived and planned by documentarian William Greaves, the 16mm footage documents a gathering of Harlem Renaissance figures, including painter Aaron Douglas, writer Richard Bruce Nugent, artist Romare Bearden, and composer Eubie Blake. The film was directed by Greaves' son, David Greaves, who served as a cameraman during the original 1972 shoot.

Following debuts at the Sundance and Cannes film festivals, the film is scheduled to appear at several major events, including the Telluride, Toronto, BFI London, and New York film festivals.