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 ...