Once Upon a Time in Harlem Teaser: The Documentary of the Year (and 1972) Launches This October.

      Making its debut at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and recently featured at Cannes, this year would be remarkable if a better documentary than *Once Upon a Time in Harlem* were to be released. This exceptional time capsule showcases footage shot by the late William Greaves (known for *Symbiopsychotaxiplasm*) and his son David Greaves at a party in 1972 held by Duke Ellington. The film captures prominent figures from the Harlem Renaissance engaging in dynamic conversations that reflect the distinctive personalities and artistic passions that contributed to this significant cultural movement. Scheduled for a theatrical release on October 16 by NEON, the first teaser and poster have now been unveiled.

      The synopsis reads: “A decade after his passing, boundary-pushing filmmaker William Greaves delivers what he deemed his most significant film: a 1972 party he orchestrated featuring the living legends of the Harlem Renaissance. For four hours, this remarkable assembly—many of whom had not reunited in fifty years—shared memories, critiqued each other, debated, laughed, and enjoyed drinks while contemplating their roles in a swiftly changing cultural environment. Filmed on 16mm, newly restored, and now directed by Greaves’ son David, this pivotal film serves as both a personal exploration and an examination of the vibrant force known as the Harlem Renaissance. William Greaves aimed not just to document these artists and intellectuals as they discussed their experiences and creations but also to delve into the significance of the extraordinary creative era they inhabited, aiding in our understanding of how culture is transmitted across generations and the artist's vital role in sustaining it.”

      Kent M. Wilhelm shared in his Sundance review, “Imagine this: it’s an overcast day in August 1972. You find yourself at a cocktail party in Duke Ellington’s Harlem townhouse. As you hold your punch glass awkwardly, you are surrounded by boisterous discussions about art, politics, and society during one of the most dynamic intellectual and creative periods of modern history. This encapsulates the experience of William and David Greaves’ *Once Upon a Time in Harlem*, an immersive and brilliantly crafted documentary that offers a vibrant, living oral history of the Harlem Renaissance. Watching it feels like discovering buried treasure.”

      Check out the teaser and poster below.