Apr 12 - 22 2024
Veselka: The Rainbow on the Corner at the Center of the World

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

Presented by Hot Docs at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

For 70 years, New York City’s beloved East Village Ukrainian restaurant Veselka has been the vibrant and welcoming heart of the community.

After taking ownership of the restaurant over from his father, Jason has big shoes to fill, but his biggest challenge becomes how to support his staff, who are mostly Ukrainian immigrants and refugees from the war.

Unexpectedly thrust into the role of surrogate father to support his staff and their families affected by the war, Jason must explore his past working relationship with his own dad to “feed” his war-torn team as he keeps his business afloat.

Narrated by Golden Globe winner and Little Ukraine native David Duchovny, Veselka: The Rainbow on the Corner at the Center of the World is a thoughtful exploration and celebration of family and community, and a reminder of how these simple things are the key ingredients to a successful and happy life, providing a path to heal from trauma and new beginnings.

Join writer/director Michael Fiore and special guests for a post-screening Q&A after the April 14 screening. LIVE performance of "On the Corner at the Centre of the World" by Clamp with Jeff Heisholt will also be featured.

Panel guests include:

Michael Fiore, writer/director
Clamp, singer/songwriter "On the Corner at the Centre of the World"
Jeff Heisholt, additional music
Jason Birchard, film subject and Veselka 3rd generation owner
Tom Birchard, film subject and Veselka 2nd generation owner
Vitalii D., film subject

Tickets: $15 (Members from $10) | Under 25? Get your FREE Bronze membership 

Dates & Times

2024/04/12 - 2024/04/22

Location Info

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

506 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y3