# Release of Once Upon a Time in Harlem documentary > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-once-upon-a-time-in-harlem-documentary > Updated: 2026-09-05T17:55:33.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2. The documentary ‘Once Upon a Time in Harlem’ is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on October 16. The film utilizes 16mm cinema verite footage captured in 1972 at a cocktail party held at the Harlem home of Duke Ellington. Originally conceived and filmed by the late William Greaves, the project was completed and directed by his son, David Greaves, who also served as a cameraman during the original 1972 shoot. The footage features various figures associated with the Harlem Renaissance, such as painter Aaron Douglas, writer Richard Bruce Nugent, artist Romare Bearden, composer Eubie Blake, and photographer James Van Der Zee, engaging in discussions regarding their legacies and cultural movements. Following its debut at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and screenings at Cannes, the film has been programmed at several major international film festivals, including Telluride, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the New York Film Festival, and the BFI London Film Festival. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Duke Ellington's Harlem salon captured in new documentary The documentary ‘Once Upon a Time in Harlem’ will be released on October 16, featuring 1972 footage of Harlem Renaissance figures at a cocktail party in Duke Ellington’s home. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/duke-ellingtons-harlem-salon-captured-in-new-documentary ### 2026-09-03: Once Upon a Time in Harlem documentary to release October 16 The documentary ‘Once Upon a Time in Harlem,’ filmed in 1972 by William Greaves and completed by his son David, captures luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance and opens theatrically on October 16. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/once-upon-a-time-in-harlem-documentary-to-release-october-16 --- Cite as: Release of Once Upon a Time in Harlem documentary. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-once-upon-a-time-in-harlem-documentary