Once Upon a Time in Harlem is a unique film that took decades to make. It started in 1972 when filmmaker William Greaves invited prominent figures from the Harlem Renaissance to a gathering at Duke Ellington’s home. He filmed this event with three cameras, hoping to create a documentary about that vital cultural period. Greaves worked on this project until he passed away in 2014, leaving his son, David Greaves, to complete it.
This gathering was special. Many attendees hadn’t seen each other for years, yet they were full of life. They engaged passionately in discussions about the Harlem Renaissance, a movement that began in the 1920s. Ida Mae Cullen, the widow of poet Countee Cullen, addressed common misconceptions, noting that many mistake the Renaissance for starting in the 1930s. Poet Arna Bontemps described the era as a “prism reflecting all of the Black experience.” This highlights its lasting impact and the varying interpretations people hold.
What’s striking is how invested each guest was in their shared history. They debated everything, from the literature produced to the artists lost too soon. Gerri Major recounted a moment of racism she faced while performing at the Cotton Club, reminding us of the social struggles that shaped the Renaissance’s narrative. The discussions elaborated on how racism and violence led many to seek refuge and express themselves in Harlem.
The film flows seamlessly, integrating archival footage and snippets of poetry. In one moment, the renowned photographer James Van Der Zee shares his love for music while playing a tune, illustrating how creativity intertwined during that era. Another highlight is Richard B. Moore’s moving recitation of Claude McKay’s “If We Must Die.” These performances bring the past to life, showing the enduring spirit of those artists.
Watching this film today offers a nostalgic view of what community gatherings once felt like. The discussions have a natural cadence, initially formal but growing more vibrant as the evening goes on. Greaves’s camera captures this shift, showcasing genuine interactions among the seniors. It’s a reminder of how conversations used to bring people together, sparking both joy and spirited debate.
Greaves had previously made a short documentary titled From These Roots focused on the Harlem Renaissance using archival materials. However, it’s clear why he became devoted to the Once Upon a Time in Harlem project. The live footage captures the electric atmosphere of the gathering, offering moments that reveal deeper layers of the Renaissance’s legacy.
Over his lifetime, Greaves created an extensive body of work. He’s widely recognized for Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One, an experimental film that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. In many ways, Once Upon a Time in Harlem continues this exploration, allowing viewers to see the profound impact of the Harlem Renaissance through the lens of its key contributors. Now finished by David, the film stands as a tribute not only to this vital cultural moment but also to his father’s enduring vision.
The film is more than just a collection of memories; it serves as a powerful reminder of the dialogues that shaped modern America. Such conversations are still relevant today, encouraging us to reflect on our cultural history and the ongoing struggles for representation and recognition.
For more information on the Harlem Renaissance, check out resources from the Library of Congress.
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