Neon Gets Sundance Documentary, ‘Once Upon a Time in Harlem’
The documentary was conceived and filmed in 1972 by the late William Greaves and restored and directed by his son David Greaves.
It premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Sundance Film Fest.
Netflix, Sony Classics and Mubi were in the mix for rights to the film.
Neon is planning a theatrical release for the film later this year.
The sale marks the second acquisition for the indie studio, after its deal for the queer horror film, Leviticus.
Over 50 years later, David Greaves, one of the original cameramen, used his father’s notes and workprints to create a new film. “Once Upon a Time in Harlem” is produced by David’s granddaughter, Liani Greaves. David and Liani serve as William Greaves Productions’s president and vice president of production, respectively. Louise Archambault Greaves, William’s wife and creative partner of 55 years, co-founded the company in 1963.
After his death in 2014, she worked to restore his films. Producer Anne de Mare worked with Louise to preserve and digitize over 60,000 feet of previously unseen 16mm footage shot by Greaves in 1972.
The preservation was overseen by multi-disciplinary artist and preservationist Bill Brand. Louise died in 2023.
