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Once Upon a Time in Harlem

Play trailer Once Upon a Time in Harlem 2026 1h 40m Documentary History Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 11 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings

Critics Reviews

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Christian Zilko IndieWire 1d
B+
The nuance and specificity that makes the film so interesting is also why it requires a decent knowledge base to appreciate -- this is about as far from an introduction to the Harlem Renaissance as you’ll find. Go to Full Review Monica Castillo The Playlist 1d
A
...“Once Upon a Time in Harlem” works on many fronts as both an exquisitely crafted reflection and a tribute to the time, both of the Harlem Renaissance and of Greaves’ generation, hungry to hear these nearly forgotten stories. Go to Full Review Tim Grierson Screen International 2d
The conversations could not be more stimulating, offering a glimpse of Black America past and present that is joyous, defiant and sobering. Go to Full Review Josh Parham Next Best Picture 3h
8/10
It is a privilege to be invited into the space of masters and hear about the experiences that have molded the community and made it prosper. Such a work deserves to be seen and admired for the achievement that it is. Go to Full Review Gregory Nussen Screen Rant 23h
10/10
As much a testament to the tenacity of spirit of a bygone generation of Black leadership as it is to the power of a good cocktail party, The Greaves' family documentary is nothing if not an endorsement for archival preservation. Go to Full Review Jason Gorber POV Magazine 1d
We are witness to the recollections from the participants in this dramatic era of change, and equally was can see how these movements were birthed in the first place. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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William Greaves

Director

David Greaves

Director

Liani Greaves

Producer

Anne De Mare

Producer

Lynn True

Film Editor

Anne De Mare

Film Editor

Movie Info

Director
William Greaves, David Greaves
Producer
Liani Greaves, Anne De Mare
Genre
Documentary, History
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 40m