In 1972, filmmaker William Greaves brought together leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance at Duke Ellington’s home. This major intellectual and artistic movement emerged in Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s. Among those present were Aaron Douglas, Arna Bontemps, Richard Bruce Nugent, James Van Der Zee and Ida Mae Cullen. The event was arranged to be filmed by a crew that included his son David Greaves behind the camera. 55 years later, David Greaves completed this fascinating work of remembrance, made with his father, who died in 2014. Through skillful editing, this film blends the testimonies of these renowned poets, musicians, photographers, painters, activists and intellectuals with their lively conversations, while revealing the mechanics of the shoot itself. This film thus incorporates the circumstances of its own making to reveal the mechanisms behind a moving tribute written by many voices that acknowledges its roots and honours its most influential figures, as well as their legacies. (HSB)

Co-presented with the Montreal International Black Film Festival

Quebec Premiere

Once Upon a Time in Harlem