"Go see it!" is all I can say about Veselka! It is full of beautiful, heartwarming, moving, timely and raw human stories. With music by David Sanborn, narration by David Duchovny, the stories bring you into the film. Directed, produced, written and edited by the talented and creative Michael Fiore, the movie is a reminder of real life and the struggles that people face with war, even thousands of miles away. But Veselka also reminds me that food and eateries, especially internationally focused ones, allow people to gather to do more than just eat. Even more, the movie shows that there are good humans in the world making a difference for the better. The world needs to see these impactful stories.
8 Reviews
Veselka - A Film About Family
scottmusgrave9 March 2024
Veselka is a terrific film. It is really about family. The film starts with 3 generations of family that founded and grew the Veselka restaurant business in the East Village of NYC. But it is also about the extended Ukrainian family that grew out of that business accelerated by the war in Ukraine. If you are from NYC or Kansas, I believe you will find the story and the people in the film to be inspirational. Actor David Duchovny did a great job narrating Veselka and saxophonist David Sanborn is an important part of the fabulous soundtrack. The film is in limited release now. I reccomend that you find it at a theater near you now!!
Two Thumbs Up for Veselka!
kaylischattner2 March 2024
The minute I heard there was going to be a documentary made about the incredible East Village haunt, Veselka, I knew I had to watch. Am I glad I did!
I walked away from this movie completely moved. A powerful story of community, the impact small businesses play in the fabric of world events (in this case, the war in Ukraine), and family.
The empathy, great sense of community care, vulnerability, and joy of the people featured in the documentary is palpable. You can feel their impact and intentions emanate from the screen.
I encourage all to watch Veselka and to find the people doing this important work in their own communities. This is how we change the world.
I walked away from this movie completely moved. A powerful story of community, the impact small businesses play in the fabric of world events (in this case, the war in Ukraine), and family.
The empathy, great sense of community care, vulnerability, and joy of the people featured in the documentary is palpable. You can feel their impact and intentions emanate from the screen.
I encourage all to watch Veselka and to find the people doing this important work in their own communities. This is how we change the world.
Beautiful and unexpected documentary!
jeffrardo2 March 2024
Honestly, this film had me at Veselka, the delicious east village staple that's been around for many years but what I didn't expect was how moving the story turned out to be in relation to the war in the Ukraine. Like all great documentaries and movies in general, the film took me on an emotional journey into the humanity of its' real life characters who deal with the unfolding war over the course of a year.
Ultimately, this is a film about family and the filmmaker's empathy and respect for its' subjects and the cinema verite approach leads to truly poignant moments on screen that will take you from tears to warm laughter. This is the stuff of life and the kind of documentary filmmaking we should all embrace.
Ultimately, this is a film about family and the filmmaker's empathy and respect for its' subjects and the cinema verite approach leads to truly poignant moments on screen that will take you from tears to warm laughter. This is the stuff of life and the kind of documentary filmmaking we should all embrace.
Incredible film and a must watch!!
myliusaaron2 March 2024
This is such an incredible and moving movie that shows not only the ins and outs of a locally loved restaurant, but of a family that truly sticks together during tough times. This movie shows you just how hard the war has hit Ukrainians and how they have banded together to help one another. You will see some of the harsh realities but you will also experience the powerful love they all share and how they overcome such terrible circumstances. The owners of Veselka are some truly wonderful people and will have you marveling at their generosity and tenacity. A remarkable piece that I cannot recommend enough!
Amazing story everyone should hear!
wesleysf26 March 2024
It's amazing how much love a care a small place can contain. Stories like this one make believe that humanity isn't all that bad :)
This documentary shows that the restaurants are not only about the delicious food and drinks, not only about having a distans culture on a plate but also about people, the way we interract and are able to achieve more when driven by the same things, desires.
I was also astonished to hear about the amount of help Veselka is able to provide for Ukraine and Ukrainians in the States and back home. Important message that we can't afford to be lost behind political agendas and irrelevant info noise.
Highly recommend!
This documentary shows that the restaurants are not only about the delicious food and drinks, not only about having a distans culture on a plate but also about people, the way we interract and are able to achieve more when driven by the same things, desires.
I was also astonished to hear about the amount of help Veselka is able to provide for Ukraine and Ukrainians in the States and back home. Important message that we can't afford to be lost behind political agendas and irrelevant info noise.
Highly recommend!
Amazing heart felt documentary!
charlesfbayer24 March 2024
An extremely touching documentary with multiple layers of endearing subjects, from Little Ukraine in NYC, to a wonderful family restaurant, to showing support for Ukraine. It moves from a general overview to a emotionally charged look at the lives changed by the Russian invasion. The documentary stands as an indepth look at the traumatic stress caused by war on those far from the battle lines through the emotional suffering of loved ones, and presents how human interaction and compassion can be the ultimate gift for those suffering from war inflicted trauma. Though the documentary does not look indepth at the Russian invasion of Ukraine directly, the viewer can feel the horror inflicted directly on those involved. A must see!
Inspirational Blue and Gold, Deserving of Every Accolade it Receives
jvilade13 May 2024
I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in "Veselka: The Rainbow on the Corner at the Center of the World," a documentary that resonated deeply. Michael Fiore's masterful direction painted a vivid tapestry of inspiration and cultural richness. The inclusion of jazz virtuoso David Sanborn's compositions was nothing short of sublime, seamlessly weaving through the narrative. David Duchovny's presence was skillfully utilized, propelling the story forward with finesse. Against the backdrop of lower Manhattan's streets and the iconic Veselka restaurant, Fiore delicately serves a feast of themes-family, community, hope, and love-each dish a testament to the human spirit. This timely and poignant journey is not just a film; it's a beacon of optimism, a reminder of the enduring power of humanity to uplift and unite. Heartfelt, authentic, and undeniably impactful, "Veselka" is a cinematic gem deserving of every accolade it receives. Inspirational blue and gold.
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