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

      Making its debut at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and recently showcased at Cannes, this year could be exceptional if a more impressive documentary than *Once Upon a Time in Harlem* comes along. This remarkable time capsule features footage shot by the late William Greaves (known for *Symbiopsychotaxiplasm*) and his son David Greaves of a 1972 gathering at Duke Ellington’s home, showcasing prominent figures from the Harlem Renaissance engaged in a vibrant and expansive discussion reflecting on their unique personalities and artistic pursuits that contributed to a historic movement. Slated for an October 16 theatrical release by NEON, they have unveiled the initial teaser and poster.

      Here’s the synopsis: “A decade after his passing, the genre-defying filmmaker William Greaves reveals one last gem he deemed the most significant event he recorded: a 1972 party he orchestrated with the living icons of the Harlem Renaissance. Over the course of four hours, this remarkable group—many of whom had not reconnected in fifty years—shared memories, offered critiques, engaged in lively debates, laughed, and conversed about their positions in a rapidly changing cultural environment. Filmed in 16mm, newly restored, and now directed by Greaves’ son David, this groundbreaking film serves as both a journey of self-exploration and a deep examination of the vibrant energy known as the Harlem Renaissance. William Greaves aimed not only to document these artists and thinkers as they reflected on their lives and contributions but also to explore the significance of this extraordinary creative era in order to help us understand how culture is transmitted across generations and the crucial role artists play in sustaining it.”

      In his Sundance review, Kent M. Wilhelm stated, “Envision this: it’s a cloudy day in August 1972. You find yourself at a cocktail gathering in Duke Ellington’s townhouse in Harlem. As you nervously clutch your punch glass, you’re engulfed by a lively mix of discussions surrounding art, politics, and society during one of the most dynamic intellectual and creative movements of modern history. This encapsulates the experience of William and David Greaves’ *Once Upon a Time in Harlem*, an immersive and expertly crafted documentary that provides a living, breathing oral history of the Harlem Renaissance. Watching it feels akin to discovering buried treasure.”

      Check out the teaser and poster below.