Once Upon a Time in Harlem documentary explores Harlem Renaissance legacy

The documentary ‘Once Upon a Time in Harlem’ captures a significant historical moment from August 1972, when filmmaker William Greaves invited luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance to gather at Duke Ellington’s townhouse. The film serves as a reflection on the intellectual, artistic, and cultural movement of the 1920s.

Originally intended for a project titled ‘From These Roots,’ the 16 mm footage remained unreleased for decades following Greaves’ death in 2014. Following a resolution by his widow, Louise Aarchambault Greaves, to restore the footage, his son David Greaves directed the completion of the project. The resulting film offers an observational look at the attendees as they discuss the nature and legacy of the Renaissance.