Story perspectives

Harlem Documentary Debuts Cannes, Wins Ovation, Nominated, Secures Release

5/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Once Upon a Time in Harlem premiered at Cannes May 18 2026 and received an ovation.
The film was nominated for the Directors’ Fortnight Audience Award and Golden Eye Documentary Prize.
William Greaves filmed August 1972 Harlem Renaissance gathering at Duke Ellington’s townhouse on 60,000 feet of 16 mm film.
After Greaves’s 2014 death, children David and Liani edited the footage, prompting Neon’s January 2026 U.S. acquisition and Ford and Mellon Foundations’ funding for theatrical release.

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Story summary

Once Upon a Time in Harlem premiered at Cannes May 18 2026 and received an ovation.
The film was nominated for the Directors’ Fortnight Audience Award and Golden Eye Documentary Prize.
William Greaves filmed August 1972 Harlem Renaissance gathering at Duke Ellington’s townhouse on 60,000 feet of 16 mm film.
After Greaves’s 2014 death, children David and Liani edited the footage, prompting Neon’s January 2026 U.S. acquisition and Ford and Mellon Foundations’ funding for theatrical release.