NEON, the award-winning independent studio behind a wide range of acclaimed nonfiction and narrative films, has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Once Upon a Time in Harlem, a documentary conceived and filmed in 1972 by filmmaker William Greaves and restored and directed by his son, David Greaves. The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it drew significant attention from critics and industry figures. NEON is planning a theatrical release later this year.
Once Upon a Time in Harlem centers on a four-hour gathering organized by William Greaves in 1972, bringing together artists and intellectuals associated with the Harlem Renaissance, many of whom had not seen one another in decades. Filmed on 16mm, the footage captures wide-ranging conversations in which participants reflect on their personal histories, creative work, and evolving roles within a changing cultural and political landscape.
According to Greaves’ original intent, the project was designed not only to document the participants’ reflections, but also to examine the broader significance of the Harlem Renaissance and how cultural movements and artistic traditions are carried forward across generations.
The film was completed more than 50 years after it was originally shot. David Greaves, who served as one of the original cameramen, assembled the final version using his father’s notes and workprints. The film is produced by Liani Greaves, William Greaves’ granddaughter.
David and Liani Greaves serve as President and Vice President of Production, respectively, at William Greaves Productions, which was co-founded in 1963 by William Greaves and his wife and longtime creative partner, Louise Archambault Greaves. Following William Greaves’ death in 2014, Louise Archambault Greaves focused on restoring his body of work and advancing the completion of Once Upon a Time in Harlem. She passed away in 2023.
Producer Anne de Mare collaborated with Louise Archambault Greaves to preserve and digitize more than 60,000 feet of previously unseen 16mm footage shot in 1972. The preservation process was overseen by multidisciplinary artist and preservationist Bill Brand.
Following its premiere at Sundance, Once Upon a Time in Harlem appeared in multiple critics’ polls and festival roundups. It was named Best Documentary in the IndieWire Critics Poll and was included on “best of the festival” lists from The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire, Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, and Variety.
During the post-screening Q&A, Academy Award® winner Barry Jenkins commented on the film, encouraging audiences to seek it out. Critical responses published during the festival included commentary from The New Yorker, RogerEbert.com, and other outlets.
Once Upon a Time in Harlem is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release later this year.
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