Once Upon a Time in Harlem

A decade after his death, genre-defying filmmaker William Greaves has one last trick up his sleeve: one of the greatest works of remembrance of our time. The most important event Greaves believed he ever captured on film was a 1972 party he engineered with the living luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance. For 4 hours, the extraordinary group—many of whom had not seen each other in 50 years—reminisced, critiqued, argued, laughed, and drank while wrestling with their place in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape. Shot on 16mm and finally completed over 50 years later by Greaves’s son, David Greaves, this landmark film both introduces viewers to the Harlem Renaissance and then puts you in the room with its greatest minds. By being among the partygoers in this gathering of Black luminaries, you’ll be inspired by the power of artistic community and want to learn about their countless accomplishments. At a moment of erasure of Black achievements, this film “stands as a piece of cinematic resistance” (Hollywood Reporter). (100 mins., DCP)

Join us after the film for a reception in the lower lobby as we meet and greet with this year's visiting Unorthodocs filmmakers. Connect with your fellow festival goers then stay for the screening of American Doctor at 7 PM.

See the complete Unorthodocs 2026 lineup.

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Once Upon a Time in Harlem, courtesy of William Greaves Productions.