Once Upon a Time in Harlem, FRI 11.9. at 6:00 PM - Tent

ADDITIONAL SCREENING - Finnish Premiere

Once Upon a Time in Harlem, FRI 11.9. 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 composer Duke Ellington's home in Harlem, New York.

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

Ellington's cocktail party is 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 to express themselves and combat derogatory stereotypes.

Fifty years later, a documentary film was made from material shot by documentarian William Greaves, completed by his son David Greaves.

Premiering to critical acclaim at Sundance and Cannes Directors' Fortnight in the spring, 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 and before its US release in October.

🎟️ Ticket categories:

- Festival ticket – 15 €

Standard admission fee for one screening, supports the event.

- Patron ticket – 25 €

Want to support the festival more? Choose a patron ticket and support the continuation of the event.

- Solidarity ticket – 10 €

Students, unemployed, pensioners, and other discount groups

In addition, we organize open free screenings in Karhupuisto, Bar Tÿpo, Kallio Library, and Suvilahti DIY.