Once Upon a Time in Harlem

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Once Upon a Time in Harlem

PG-13

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1h 40m

Documentary

History

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71 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

In Harlem 1972, filmmaker William Greaves assembles the living members of the Harlem Renaissance for a cocktail party at Duke Ellington's townhouse after decades apart. Over the course of two days, they reminisce, debate, and discuss their lives, work, and the cultural movement that shaped them.

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Critics Consensus

Director David Greaves finishes what his father started with Once Upon a Time in Harlem, a strikingly immersive glimpse into a unique time and place that feels like getting to bask in a community's collective heart.

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Candice Frederick

Salon.com

4 days ago

It deepens audiences’ understanding of healthy, effective debate through a reflection of our not-so-distant past at a time when too many are consumed by self-aggrandizement rather than the roadmap those who came before them already laid out.

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

Oct 23, 2026

David Greaves’ “Once Upon a Time in Harlem” is loving, indispensable history, unabashedly enjoyable.

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Sarah-Tai Black

Globe and Mail

Oct 22, 2026

What the Greaves family gives life to in this extraordinary film is a history still animated by the people who made it, with all the pleasure and difficulty of finding room for one another within it.

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Armond White

National Review

21 hrs ago

These images are precious beyond estimation because -- as Schuyler himself might say -- they rectify the legacy of black American art and language that has been hijacked by recent political chicanery.

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Marlon Wallace

The M Report (WBOC.com)

1 day ago

If anything, it's essentially a time capsule, even by the admission of the attendees as a look back at a bygone era, and a way for the older Black folks to educate the younger ones.

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Oscar Goff

Boston Hassle

2 days ago

It’s one of the most important documentaries of the year— and, just as importantly, one of the most entertaining.

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Torrance L

1 day ago

Excellent film.

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John

5 hrs ago

99% of African Americans know nothing about the people talked about in this film

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John M

@JMthe2nd 23 hrs ago

Shot over 50 years ago, this is an interesting time capsule of a group of people expounding on their involvement in and their recollections of the Harlem Renaissance which took place 50 years prior to the filming. Fascinating insight and interaction make this not only informative but very interesting to watch.

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Ealy R

@forwhats 1 day ago

Incredible!

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Robert C

@RT62398999 Oct 25, 2026

A towering film about the power of creation and self-expression, and a gift from the giants of the Harlem Renaissance to our current generation. Beautifully shot by William Greaves and lovingly crafted by his son David. An essential contribution to American history.

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B P

@Bradster69 Oct 23, 2026

Definitely Recommend It

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David Greaves

Director

William Greaves

Screenwriter

Liani Greaves

Producer

Anne De Mare

Producer

William Greaves

Cinematographer

Lynn True

Film Editor

Once Upon a Time in Harlem: Exclusive Movie Clip - James Van Der Zee Photographs at the Piano

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Once Upon a Time in Harlem: Trailer 1

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Once Upon a Time in Harlem: Teaser Trailer

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Synopsis

In Harlem 1972, filmmaker William Greaves assembles the living members of the Harlem Renaissance for a cocktail party at Duke Ellington's townhouse after decades apart. Over the course of two days, they reminisce, debate, and discuss their lives, work, and the cultural movement that shaped them.

Director: David Greaves
Producer: Liani Greaves, Anne De Mare
Screenwriter: William Greaves
Distributor: NEON
Production Co: William Greaves Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Strong Racial Language|Brief Partial Nudity|Some Disturbing Images|Smoking)
Genre: Documentary, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 16, 2026, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $65.1K
Runtime: 1h 40m

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