Published: June 28, 2023| 09:43 AM

As part of its Special Screenings section, KVIFF will be showing the international premiere of the unique documentary by Nate Pommer and Eric Weinrib. ​​

Twenty-five years ago, New York’s Lower East Side was rocked by the phenomenon known as Gogol Bordello. These now world-renowned pioneers of gypsy punk famed for their explosive concerts are headed by the charismatic legend Eugene Hütz, who is also the main protagonist of this gripping documentary portrait. With Gogol Bordello, the Ukrainian-born world traveler with Romany roots has created a unique multicultural band founded on the shared immigrant experience and specific music of each band member – be they from Ecuador, Ethiopia, Belarus, or Russia. The artistic and political urgency so typical for Gogol Bordello and their frontman has become invaluable in the latest chapter in the band’s history – the musical struggle against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Scream of My Blood: A Gogol Bordello Story had its world premiere at the recent Tribeca Film Festival, where it earned director Nate Pommer a Special Jury Mention for Best New Documentary Director. Pommer spent more than two decades following Gogol Bordello’s activities within the context of personal and societal events. Co-director Eric Weinrib has received numerous awards for his documentary work, was nominated for an Emmy Award, and is a long-time collaborator of documentary icon Michael Moore.

One of the film’s executive producers is last year’s guest of the Karlovy Vary film festival, actor, director, and producer Liev Schreiber.