Black Harvest Film Festival: Once Upon a Time in Harlem

About this event

November 9 | Master documentarian William Greaves presents extraordinary archival footage from a legendary 1972 gathering at Duke Ellington’s Harlem townhouse. Convened by Greaves and Ellington, the gathering brings together towering cultural figures and architects of Black artistic life for an intimate exchange of memory, laughter, and reflection. Completed decades after it was first filmed, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HARLEM preserves an irreplaceable moment in Black cultural history.

Dialogue: post-screening Q&A with director David Greaves and producer Liani Greaves.

2026, dirs. William Greaves, David Greaves USA, 100 min. In English | Format: Digital

General Admission - $15.50

Group Rate - $11.50 (Groups can save $4 off per ticket - minimum of 15 guests required)

Celebrating its 32nd year in 2026, the Black Harvest Film Festival is Chicago’s annual showcase for Black film across the diaspora. Born from an urgent need to celebrate the Black experience, the Black Harvest Film Festival unites filmmakers and audiences to showcase the power of Black cinema. This annual festival highlights emerging and established talents and historical narratives, enriching the landscape of Black culture. The festival curates both short and feature length films, proudly presenting influential auteurs and emerging filmmakers of color side by side.

The film festival will be held at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center November 6–15, 2026.

Festival passes and individual tickets are available for purchase.

Audiences additionally can choose from two Festival pass options:

Opening Night plus five screenings: $80 general public / $55 members

Six regular screenings: $60 general public / $36 members