Full Trailer for ‘Once Upon a Time in Harlem’ Revived Doc from 1972

“Being here with all these intelligent gentlemen, I’m afraid to open my mouth!” Neon has debuted the main official trailer for their highly acclaimed documentary film titled Once Upon a Time in Harlem, set for a release in limited US theaters starting in October. It first premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and played at Cannes and is screening at Telluride next. Once Upon a Time in Harlem is actually a film that was made in the 1970s by the brilliant Black American filmmaker William Greaves, who passed away in 2014. Finding the lost in time footage, his son David Greaves put together all of the shots (filmed on 16mm) and finished the film – a fascinating documentary introducing us to the most incredible collection of individuals who gathered for a party in 1972 up in Harlem. The lively event took place at jazz maestro Duke Ellington’s townhouse in NYC and was filled with living luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance, an event he regarded as the most important he captured on film. Greaves invited every last participant he could locate. Many had not seen one another for decades. It takes us into that experience and it’s truly unforgettable. A remarkable, refreshing portrait of many Black American icons with many unforgettable interactions caught on camera. // Continue Reading ›