Veselka: The Rainbow on the Corner at the Center of the World

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!!

"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.

Michael is one of the most talented directors in NYC.

He puts so much passion and determination into it.

All of his art is important and elevated.

I have been living in New York City for approximately 18 years. On the east side of Manhattan. And I've been to Veselka more than a handful of times. And I never really understood the significance of the restaurant until now over the last couple years. I'm so happy they opened a new location in Greenpoint. I think that Space will do very well there.

Overall. Michael is a true champion. I look forward to watching more from him as we move into this documentary- independent movement.

We need VESELKA more than ever. Both this documentary and the restaurant. This is the 70 year story of NYC's misted noted Ukrainian restaurant.

This is an extremely heartwarming documentary. It strikes all the right chords. I felt educated AND entertained by it. I laughed and shed some tears.

You don't just watch this documentary - you FEEL it.

And I was very hungry by the end. While the food isn't the focus of the story (the people at the restaurant are) I really want some pierogis right now.

I think I was most struck by how personal the movie is. It's not political at all. Though the appearance by embattled NYC Mayor Eric Adams cements how much of an idiot he is.

I fell in love with the story, the subjects, the food, and everything in between.

I streamed it on Prime. I am going to buy it on Apple TV now. This is one to own.

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!