Once Upon a Time in Harlem documentary preserves Harlem Renaissance legacy

The documentary “Once Upon a Time in Harlem” preserves a significant historical gathering from 1972, where filmmaker William Greaves hosted a party at Duke Ellington’s townhouse. The event brought together surviving luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance, including poets, musicians, scholars, and politicians, to discuss their creative legacies and intellectual heritage.

After decades of being vaulted due to financial constraints, the project was completed by David Greaves, who co-directed the film following his father’s passing. The documentary utilizes nearly 60,000 feet of film, intercutting the original 16mm footage with archival information and contemporary commentary to provide context on the Harlem Renaissance and the broader history of Black America.

The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and held a special screening at the Studio Museum in Harlem. The event featured fashion pioneer Dapper Dan and a Q&A session moderated by Bevy Smith.