About this Event
Overview
Join us for a special Opening Night screening of ONCE UPON A TIME IN HARLEM, directed by David Greaves, at Chicago's historic 400 Theater.
In partnership with NEON, Black Film Club Collective invites you to a free screening of Once Upon a Time in Harlem, a landmark documentary conceived and filmed by pioneering Black filmmaker William Greaves and brought to life more than 50 years later by his son, David Greaves.
Winner of the 2026 Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film, Once Upon a Time in Harlem transports audiences to a remarkable gathering in 1972, when William Greaves brought together legendary artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals of the Harlem Renaissance at Duke Ellington's Harlem townhouse.
Featuring cultural luminaries including Romare Bearden, Aaron Douglas, James Van Der Zee, Richard Bruce Nugent, and Eubie Blake, the film captures intimate conversations about art, identity, cultural legacy, and the extraordinary creative movement that helped shape Black American history.
Through newly restored archival footage, the documentary offers a rare opportunity to witness these cultural pioneers in their own words, reflecting on their contributions and the enduring power of Black artistic expression.
This special screening offers an opportunity to experience a remarkable piece of Black cultural history on the big screen, celebrating the importance of preserving our stories, honoring artistic legacies, and connecting generations through cinema.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
- Location: The 400 Theater — 6746 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60626
- Doors open: 7:30 PM
- Screening begins: 8:00 PM
- Film runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes (100 minutes)
Free admission | RSVP is Required
Please note: RSVP does not guarantee entry. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is strongly encouraged.
For updates and future programming, follow us on Instagram @blackfilmclubchi.
Event venue & nearby stays
The 400 Theater, 6740 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, United States
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