Once Upon a Time in Harlem

In 1972, the African-American filmmaker William Greaves brought together an exceptional group of people. All the guests were associated with the Harlem Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual flourishing in the 1920s. From Harlem, African-American artists, writers and musicians forged a new sense of self-awareness and a voice of their own that would permanently transform American culture. Names such as Romare Bearden, Eubie Blake and James Van Der Zee may have been forgotten, but their influence endures. Using four cameras, Greaves filmed the four-hour reunion. Fifty years later, Greaves’ son David has condensed this legendary gathering into the documentary Once Upon a Time in Harlem. The result is a sublime talk film in which vivid memories and anecdotes are brought to life, creating a fascinating snapshot of the era. At the same time, it is a moving tribute to the achievements of these extraordinary artists and their legacy.