Neon releases the official trailer for the documentary Once Upon a Time in Harlem, an Oscar-contending “revived” film opening theatrically on October 16. The documentary is conceived and originally filmed by late director William Greaves, with final assembly and direction by his son, David Greaves. The restored project presents it as a long-prepared time capsule of a single gathering in Harlem.
The film’s footage was shot in the 1970s on 16mm and centers on a party in 1972 at jazz leader Duke Ellington’s townhouse in New York City. Outlets describe the event as bringing together prominent figures associated with the Harlem Renaissance, many of whom had not been together for decades. Coverage also notes that Greaves sought out and included as many participants as he could locate.
Different outlets emphasize different aspects: Deadline highlights the project’s “more than 50 years in the making” and its status as an Oscar contender, while IndieWire frames it as a living historical portrait. FirstShowing adds details about festival activity, stating it premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, screened at Cannes, and is shown at Telluride, TIFF, and NYFF ahead of the limited U.S. theatrical run.
