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

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

2024

1h 46m

Documentary

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9 Reviews

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New York City's beloved Ukrainian restaurant Veselka is best known for its borscht and varenyky, but it has become a beacon of hope for Ukraine. As the second-generation owner Tom Birchard reluctantly retires after 54 years, his son Jason faces the pressures of stepping into his father's shoes as the war in Ukraine impacts his family and staff.

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Brian Tallerico

RogerEbert.com

04/12/2024

2.5/4

A remarkably moving piece of work, a documentary that understands that a diner can’t save your life, but that doesn’t make it any less essential to it.

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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

03/22/2024

The substance and the heart of it are very worthwhile, but there's a lot of peripheral and maudlin stuff happening here.

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Natalia Winkelman

New York Times

02/22/2024

Even if some scenes want for energy, the compassion of the “Veselka” subjects — and its filmmaker — never wavers.

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Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

12/06/2024

A lively portrait of life at the titular East Village Ukrainian restaurant, against the background of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Leslie Combemale

AWFJ.org

03/08/2024

4/5

Veselka celebrates a longstanding New York institution, and shows how community (in this case the Ukrainian community across the country and its allies) comes together during the worst of times. As such, it's a documentary for anyone/everyone to enjoy.

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Jeanne Kaplan

Kaplan vs. Kaplan

02/22/2024

A powerful documentary --- and a moving tribute to a family dedicated to helping others.

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gwen

06/24/2024

Veselka is a wonderful movie ! Everyone should see it!

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Denise

04/11/2024

Really great documentary about family, love & support!

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Shani F

03/10/2024

Moving and beautifully told. Jason is a NYC hero!

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Jacqueline R

03/04/2024

Wonderful story with humor,sadness and wonderful never give up. Love and family will always rule! Right after the movie I had a quick bite and drink at Veselka. Staff was sweet and the food was great.

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Dan L

02/24/2024

You have to see this movie. So moving, so much pride for my favorite restaurant in the world and the extraordinary family who takes care of our community.

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Heather S

@BWYGIRL May 11

If you love New York and have ever been on the Lower East Side at 2am with hunger pains, then you have been to Veselka. A wonderful portrait of resilience. Bravo!

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Michael Fiore

Director

David Duchovny

Narrator

Tom Birchard

Self

Jason Birchard

Self

Eric Adams

Self

Kathy Hochul

Self

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Veselka: The Rainbow on the Corner at the Center of the World: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

New York City's beloved Ukrainian restaurant Veselka is best known for its borscht and varenyky, but it has become a beacon of hope for Ukraine. As the second-generation owner Tom Birchard reluctantly retires after 54 years, his son Jason faces the pressures of stepping into his father's shoes as the war in Ukraine impacts his family and staff.

Director: Michael Fiore
Producer: Michael Fiore
Screenwriter: Michael Fiore
Distributor: Fiore Media Group
Production Co: Fiore Media Group
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 23, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 12, 2024
Runtime: 1h 46m

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