Once Upon a Time in Harlem
UW Cinematheque 821 University Ave., UW Vilas Hall, Room 4070, Madison, Wisconsin
media release: Director: David Greaves
On a summer day in 1972, many of the key figures of the Harlem Renaissance convened for a party at Duke Ellington’s apartment, where they reminisced and debated their legacy. This lively, once-in-a-lifetime reunion was captured on 16mm by Symbiopsychotaxiplasm director William Greaves. Over fifty years later, that footage has finally been edited into this invaluable document, a double reflection spanning 100 years of Black American art. “One of the greatest talking pictures, one of the greatest cinematic works of creative nonfiction, that I’ve ever seen” (Richard Brody, The New Yorker).
Admission is free, seating limited. No admission 15 minutes after scheduled start times.
The Premieres series continues with more early and exclusive looks at the very best in current arthouse cinema—on the big screen where they belong! This spring kicks off with the anticipated return of a leading light of 21st century independent cinema—director Joe Swanberg, who will join us in person for his new film, The Sun Never Sets. In October, director J.M. Harper and journalist Jesse Lewis will appear to discuss the fascinating new documentary Soul Patrol. Additional highlights include the winner of the2026 Palme d’Or (Fjord), a documentary 50 years in the making (Once Upon a Time in Harlem), and two daring new indies screening on 35mm film (Rose of Nevada and The Misconceived). This series was made possible by a generous donation from an anonymous cinephile.
