HAWAIʻI PREMIERE
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HARLEM
In the summer of 1972, pioneering filmmaker William Greaves gathered an extraordinary group of Harlem Renaissance luminaries at Duke Ellington’s townhouse for an unforgettable evening of conversation, debate, laughter, and reflection. Many had not seen one another in decades. With cameras rolling, artists and intellectuals including Romare Bearden, James Van Der Zee, Eubie Blake, Arna Bontemps, and Aaron Douglas wrestled with their legacies and the role of art in a rapidly changing America.
More than 50 years later, Greaves’ son David, himself one of the cameramen that evening, resurrects this remarkable gathering through newly restored 16mm footage his father considered among the most important he ever filmed. Both cultural time capsule and meditation on artistic creation, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HARLEM brings the architects of a transformative cultural movement vividly back to life. A final testament to William and Louise Greaves’ extraordinary legacy, the film World premiered at Sundance before making its International Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Preview
Tickets
Have a ticket package, subscription, or membership? Sign in to apply your benefits.
Sunday, October 25, 2026
3:00 PM• Consolidated Theatres Kahala
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
3:00 PM• Consolidated Theatres Kahala
Credits
With Support From
Upcoming Dates
Sun, Oct 25
Consolidated Theatres Kahala
Tue, Oct 27
Consolidated Theatres Kahala
Event Info
- Run Time:
- 100 mins
- Country:
- United States
- Genre:
- Documentary, History
- Language(s):
- English
Become a HIFF Member
Join today for discounts and exclusive access. Add a membership and get your membership discount on these tickets automatically.
Choose Your Membership
All members get 20% discounts on up to 2 film tickets per showtime, 20% off merch, and early access to tickets and passes.
Explore MembershipsLocation
Consolidated Theatres Kahala
4211 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
Transaction fees may apply.