The long-awaited premiere of Once Upon a Time in Harlem, a documentary capturing the essence of the Harlem Renaissance, has finally arrived, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in Black American history. This film, a labor of love spanning generations, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Harlem Renaissance and the power of storytelling.
A Legacy Preserved
The story of Once Upon a Time in Harlem is as captivating as the documentary itself. It all began with William Greaves, a visionary documentarian, who, in 1972, hosted a cocktail party at Duke Ellington's townhouse in Harlem. His mission was clear: to gather the surviving figures of the Harlem Renaissance and immortalize their voices and stories.
Among the guests were iconic figures like Aaron Douglas, Richard Bruce Nugent, Arna Bontemps, and Eubie Blake, each with their unique contributions to the cultural revolution of the 1920s. Greaves' four-hour filming session captured more than just a party; it preserved a piece of history that was at risk of being forgotten.
The Power of Conversation
What makes this documentary truly special is its focus on the conversations and debates that unfolded that evening. From discussions on language and identity, with guests debating the use of terms like "Negro" and "Afro-American", to reflections on jazz and its revolutionary nature, these conversations offer a window into the minds of these cultural pioneers.
David Greaves, William's son and a cameraman on the original shoot, highlights the relevance of these discussions to contemporary times. He notes the ongoing debate around racial identity and the diaspora's relationship with Africa, making the film's content strikingly current.
A Historical Perspective
The film also serves as a stark reminder of America's recent history of racial violence. David points to footage accompanying an anti-lynching poem, The Lynching, which ends with a chilling image of a young white girl watching with "fiendish glee". This powerful visual serves as a stark reminder that the US is not as distant from its troubled past as some might think.
A Fight for Black History
The timing of the film's release is significant, as Black history is once again under attack in the US. David comments on the recent attempts to erase the Black experience, from the removal of signage at park service sites to the Trump administration's attacks on the Smithsonian's race-focused programming. In this context, the documentary becomes a powerful tool to preserve and celebrate Black history and culture.
A Family Affair
Once Upon a Time in Harlem is a true family project. After William Greaves' death, the material was passed to his widow, Louise, who continued working on it until her death in 2023. David and his granddaughter, Liani, then took over, restoring and digitizing an impressive 60,000 feet of 16mm film.
In the process, David gained a deeper understanding of his father's intellectual roots and the philosophical conversations they often had. This personal journey adds an extra layer of emotion and significance to the documentary.
A Lasting Impact
The unfinished film has already made waves, with screenings in 2024 and 2025 receiving rapturous responses. Richard Brody of The New Yorker called it "one of the greatest talking pictures" he had ever seen.
David hopes to release the film in time for William Greaves' centenary in October, with retrospectives planned in New York and London. He believes this film will cement his father's legacy as a chronicler of African American history, ensuring that his work and the stories of the Harlem Renaissance continue to inspire and educate for generations to come.
