Veselka: The Rainbow on the Corner at the Center of the World highlights the history of the NYC restaurant as well as its role in supporting Ukraine during the ongoing war.
Synopsis: For 70 years, Veselka has been 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. Veselka was written and directed by Michael Fiore and narrated by David Duchovny.
Michael Fiore is a New York-based Writer/Producer/Director who is quickly becoming the Frank Capra of documentary storytelling with the release of Veselka. As with his previous documentary, the beloved Floyd Norman: An Animated Life (NeGlix, TCM, Criterion Channel), Michael turns his lens towards people who stand up for a cause, the marginalized, and those who are dismissed amidst power. These are people who are the bright lights in a world leaning into darkness. Michael first learned of Veselka in the late 1990s as a film student at the neighboring NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Michael warmly recalls, “For 70 years, Veselka has been a second kitchen to NYU students, including myself. It has been the vibrant and welcoming heart of the LiWle Ukraine community and beyond. Today, Veselka’s role, and Tom and Jason Birchard’s, are more vital than ever.”
To see a trailer for the film, click here.
Check out our interview with Michael Fiore and Jason Birchard:
This legendary Ukrainian restaurant/diner sits on the corner of 2nd Ave. and E. 9th St. in the East Village. I highly recommend ordering at least one of everything. In all seriousness, my favorite dishes are the chicken paprikash and the potato pancakes.
For more information, check out VESELKA or @VeselkaMovie on social media.
