Once Upon a Time in Harlem

ADDITIONAL SCREENING - Finnish Premiere

Friday, September 11, at 6:00 PM, Tent

Documentary, 2026, USA

Directors: David Greaves, William Greaves
Duration: 1h 40 min
Themes: New York, Harlem, art, jazz, poetry
Language: English
Age rating: Suitable for all ages

In August 1972, a group of legendary artists from the Harlem Renaissance gathered at the home of composer Duke Ellington in Harlem, New York.

Guests such as painter Aaron Douglas, poet Arna Bontemps, and musicians Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle met, for many, for the first time in decades.

Ellington's cocktail party was a return to the movement known as the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 30s. It provided an important platform for Black artists, writers, and musicians for self-expression and to combat demeaning stereotypes.

Fifty years later, a documentary film was created from the material filmed by documentarian William Greaves, completed by his son David Greaves.

Premiering at Sundance and the Cannes Directors' Fortnight this spring to rave reviews, Once Upon a Time in Harlem is an important and unique piece of cultural history.

The film will be seen in Finland for the first time before its US release in October.