Once Upon a Time in Harlem

Directed by William Greaves, David Greaves
United States
2026
100 mins
Footage of a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of Harlem Renaissance legends in 1972 is revealed in this exquisite and lauded documentary. Sundance; Cannes Directors' Fortnight 2026.

In 1972, visionary filmmaker William Greaves (Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One) brought together key figures of the Harlem Renaissance for a party at the home of Duke Wellington, with his son David behind the camera. What unfolds is something truly special, as artists, writers and cultural pioneers reconnect, many for the first time in decades. The conversations move from warm and reflective to candid, unexpectedly revealing and utterly compelling. This beautifully captured film stands as a vital record of one of the most important artistic movements in American history, offering rich rewards for longtime admirers and those discovering it for the first time.

A masterpiece.
David Fear, Rolling Stone

Tickets

Fri 5 June 2026, 6:15pm
State Library of NSW
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
Wed 10 June 2026, 6:30pm
Dendy Newtown - Cinema 1
Assisted ListeningWheelchair
Aboriginal FlagTorres Strait Flag

Sydney Film Festival acknowledges Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF is based.

We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

Don’t miss a thing!

Whether you’re in Sydney or one of our rural locations, sign up to our newsletters for all the latest news and offers.