The Harlem Renaissance, a vibrant cultural movement that flourished in the 1920s, has finally found its voice on the global stage, thanks to the efforts of a determined filmmaker and his family. Once Upon a Time in Harlem, a documentary that captures the essence of this pivotal era, is set to premiere at Cannes' Directors' Fortnight, over fifty years after its original filming. This long-awaited release is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring impact of the Harlem Renaissance on American culture and beyond.
What makes this documentary particularly fascinating is the unique perspective it offers. Filmed in 1972, it provides a rare glimpse into the thoughts and conversations of the movement's key figures, who were already at risk of being forgotten. The film centers around a cocktail party hosted by the renowned documentarian William Greaves, who sought to capture the voices of artists, writers, musicians, and organizers who had transformed Black American culture. The guests, including Aaron Douglas, Richard Bruce Nugent, Arna Bontemps, Eubie Blake, Noble Sissle, James Van Der Zee, and Ida Mae Cullen, were not just survivors of the Harlem Renaissance but also witnesses to its legacy.
What makes this documentary even more compelling is the personal connection it offers to its viewers. David Greaves, the son of William Greaves, was present at the party as a young cameraman. He shares a unique perspective on the film's creation, having worked alongside his father and later taking over the project after his death. David's insights into his father's creative process and the film's impact are invaluable, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this historic documentary.
One of the strengths of the documentary is its looseness and fluidity. The guests are allowed to freestyle, and their conversations flow naturally, covering topics such as the term 'Negro' versus 'Afro-American,' Marcus Garvey and Langston Hughes, and the global impact of anti-colonial struggles. This approach allows the film to capture the essence of the Harlem Renaissance, which was characterized by its dynamism and diversity.
From my perspective, the documentary's relevance today is striking. The discussions about identity and the ongoing debate about how to refer to Black people (Black, African American, people of color) echo the challenges of the present day. The film also serves as a reminder of the recent racial violence in America, with footage of the anti-lynching poem 'The Lynching' ending on a young white girl watching with what David calls 'fiendish glee.' This detail is especially chilling, as it highlights the persistence of racial prejudice and the need for ongoing dialogue and education.
The documentary's journey to completion is a testament to the resilience of the Greaves family. After William's death, the project passed to his widow, Louise, who continued working on it until her own passing in 2023. David and Liani then took over, restoring and digitizing 60,000 feet of 16mm film. This process allowed them to understand their father more deeply, as they discovered the intellectual roots of his conversations about pain, suffering, and consciousness. The final cut of the film reflects one of William's principles: to follow one's instincts and trust one's visceral reactions.
The documentary's impact has already been felt in screenings in 2024 and 2025, where it drew rapturous responses. Richard Brody of The New Yorker hailed it as 'one of the greatest talking pictures' he had ever seen. The film's release in time for Greaves' centenary in October is a fitting tribute to his legacy, with retrospectives planned in New York and at the Barbican in London. This documentary is not just a celebration of the Harlem Renaissance but also a call to action, reminding us of the importance of preserving and sharing the stories of those who have shaped our history and culture.
