Neon has won a competitive bidding war for U.S. rights to the documentary 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem,' following its acclaimed premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The film, originally conceived and shot in 1972 by director William Greaves, captures a gathering of Harlem Renaissance figures. Neon plans a theatrical release later this year.
The acquisition marks Neon's second major deal from the festival, after securing the queer horror film 'Leviticus.' 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem' was restored and completed by David Greaves, son of the late filmmaker, using his father's original notes and workprints from 1972. David Greaves, who served as one of the cameramen on the project, co-produced the film alongside his granddaughter Liani Greaves.
The documentary chronicles a four-hour party hosted by William Greaves, where prominent artists and writers from the Harlem Renaissance shared memories, debates, and discussions over drinks. They reflected on the cultural movement they shaped and the transformations in their Harlem neighborhood. The footage, over 60,000 feet of 16mm film, was preserved and digitized through efforts led by producer Anne de Mare in collaboration with William's widow, Louise Archambault Greaves. The preservation work was overseen by artist and preservationist Bill Brand.
William and Louise co-founded William Greaves Productions in 1963. After William's death in 2014, Louise continued restoring his films until her passing in 2023. David now serves as president of the company, with Liani as vice president of production.
The film premiered to strong reviews at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Variety critic Lisa Kennedy praised it, writing: “'Once Upon a Time in Harlem' turns viewers into time travelers but also invited guests, rightly grateful to be in the room. For some of us, this film might evoke the wonder of a great-grandchild listening in on grown-up reminiscences. Nodding at the substance. Smiling at the style.”
Bidders for the rights included Netflix, Sony Pictures Classics, and Mubi. The deal was negotiated by Sarah Colvin, Neon's vice president of acquisitions, and representatives Jason Ishikawa and Isadora Johnson of Cinetic Media.