Story perspectives

Greaves Family Completes Harlem Documentary, Debuts Cannes

5/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

William Greaves’ unfinished documentary “Once Upon a Time in Harlem” was completed by his son David Greaves and granddaughter Liani Greaves and premiered at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.
After digitising 60,000 feet of 16 mm footage, early 2024-2025 screenings received rapturous responses.
The film shows a 1972 Harlem Renaissance gathering debating “Negro” versus “Afro-American,” linking past anti-colonial struggles to President Donald Trump’s attacks on Smithsonian race programming.

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Story summary

William Greaves’ unfinished documentary “Once Upon a Time in Harlem” was completed by his son David Greaves and granddaughter Liani Greaves and premiered at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.
After digitising 60,000 feet of 16 mm footage, early 2024-2025 screenings received rapturous responses.
The film shows a 1972 Harlem Renaissance gathering debating “Negro” versus “Afro-American,” linking past anti-colonial struggles to President Donald Trump’s attacks on Smithsonian race programming.