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

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.

This Ukrainian restaurant has been in the family for generations. It started off as a candy store - and then expanded to be the restaurant that it is now. It evolved with the constantly expanding night life of New York City.

We get to view the owners and the people working in the restaurant - and also to see some of the wonderful food.

We experience the anguish and the agony they have all undergone since the Russian invasion of their country. Many are worried about their family members. One worker is re-united with his mother, who came to be with him in New York. It's a touching and warm story of those who work in this restaurant.

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.

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!

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.