Published: July 06, 2023| 06:17 PM

Year after year, the programme of the festival proves that music does not only belong on the stage, but also on the silver screen. That’s why Thursday saw the international premiere of the documentary Scream of My Blood: A Gogol Bordello Story.

“From the moment it was presented at the Tribeca Festival, we knew it was an extraordinary film,” said Karel Och, the artistic director of KVIFF, of the documentary about the legendary gypsy punk band.

Director Nate Pommer described the film’s layers to the audience: “On the one hand, it is an instruction manual on how not to give up and pursue your dreams; on the other hand, it is a tribute to Ukrainian culture.” The heart and soul of the world-famous band is the charismatic lead singer Eugene Hütz, who gave a small concert in the Grand Hall after the screening.

“As time went on, an important message crystallised during the filming – the impact that Ukraine has had on the band confirms that this proud nation deserves to be free,” the singer told to the audience. “Watching the film with the audience is the best. We made it for you,” said co-director Eric Weinrib, thanking the viewers.