Skip to Content

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

Veselka is the story of New York City’s beloved Ukrainian restaurant Veselka and its father and son proprietors, Tom and Jason Birchard.  When Jason graduated college without a vision for his future, Tom brings him into the family business.  Jason learns that Tom’s dedication to Veselka produces delicious food that satisfies a colorful cast of neighbors and newcomers, but this leaves little time for Tom to be “dad” at work. In 2020, Jason takes ownership of Veselka from his reluctant-to-retire father.  He has large shoes to fill, but Jason’s biggest challenge becomes the war in Ukraine.  He is unexpectedly thrust into the role of surrogate father to support his Ukrainian staff impacted 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. For 70 years, Veselka has been the vibrant and welcoming heart of the community and now its role, and Jason’s, is more vital than ever. Narrated by Golden Globe Winner and Little Ukraine native David Duchovny. A Q&A with writer/director Michael Fiore and director of photography Bill Winters follows the film. 

Veselka is the story of New York City’s beloved Ukrainian restaurant Veselka and its father and son proprietors, Tom and Jason Birchard.  When Jason graduated college without a vision for his future, Tom brings him into the family business.  Jason learns that Tom’s dedication to Veselka produces delicious food that satisfies a colorful cast of neighbors and newcomers, but this leaves little time for Tom to be “dad” at work. In 2020, Jason takes ownership of Veselka from his reluctant-to-retire father.  He has large shoes to fill, but Jason’s biggest challenge becomes the war in Ukraine.  He is unexpectedly thrust into the role of surrogate father to support his Ukrainian staff impacted 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. For 70 years, Veselka has been the vibrant and welcoming heart of the community and now its role, and Jason’s, is more vital than ever. Narrated by Golden Globe Winner and Little Ukraine native David Duchovny. A Q&A with writer/director Michael Fiore and director of photography Bill Winters follows the film. 

  1. 7:00 pm

Browse Ongoing Series

Playhouse Cafe

The Playhouse Café offers a tempting menu of small bites, along with an extensive list of craft cocktails, wine and beer.

See Menu

Private Rentals

Enjoy a personalized cinema experience with our private rentals. We offer cinema and catering packages of all sizes that can be customized to fit your every desire!

Private Rentals

Want Updates on Upcoming Films and Special Events?

Click the button below to sign up for our newsletter!

Sign Me Up

The Bedford Playhouse gratefully acknowledges support from:

powered by Filmbot