The long-awaited documentary, 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem', is finally getting its global premiere, 50 years after its initial filming. This groundbreaking film, directed by the late William Greaves, and completed by his son David and granddaughter Liani, offers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. The documentary centers around a cocktail party hosted by Greaves in 1972, featuring some of the era's most influential figures, including Aaron Douglas, Richard Bruce Nugent, Arna Bontemps, Eubie Blake, Noble Sissle, James Van Der Zee, and Ida Mae Cullen. The film's strength lies in its authenticity and the looseness of its structure, capturing the guests' spontaneous conversations and debates on politics, language, and legacy.
What makes this documentary particularly intriguing is its contemporary relevance. David Greaves highlights the ongoing discussions about racial identity, such as the debate over whether to call themselves 'Black' or 'Negro', mirroring the conversations in the film. He draws parallels between the anti-colonial struggles of the Harlem Renaissance and the modern-day fight for international support, as seen in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The film also serves as a stark reminder of America's lingering racial violence, with footage of a young white girl displaying 'fiendish glee' during the anti-lynching poem, 'The Lynching'.
The journey of this documentary is as fascinating as its content. After William Greaves' death, the project was passed to his widow, Louise, who continued working on it until her passing in 2023. David and Liani then took on the task of restoring and digitizing 60,000 feet of 16mm film, gaining a deeper understanding of their father's work and his intellectual roots in eastern philosophy. The final cut of the film was shaped by David's interpretation of his father's principle: 'if there's something that affects you viscerally, go with it'.
The documentary's premiere has already garnered critical acclaim, with Richard Brody of The New Yorker calling it 'one of the greatest talking pictures' he had ever seen. David Greaves hopes to release the film in time for his father's centenary in October, with retrospectives planned in New York and London. This film is poised to cement William Greaves' legacy as a chronicler of African American history, offering a unique and timely perspective on the Harlem Renaissance and its enduring impact.
