Mustache Funk | Fall Ukrainian Film Series

On September 17, the Fall Ukrainian Film Series continues with a documentary exploring the vibrant Ukrainian music scene that emerged under Soviet rule and heavy restrictions in the 1960s and 1970s.

Mustache Funk revisits this remarkable chapter of Ukrainian popular music and the artists who transformed the limitations of the Soviet system into something unmistakably their own.

Hosted at C Ukraine Cultural Showcase in downtown San Francisco, this Cinema Club project creates a space where film becomes dialogue.

With the support of the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco, we are building a regular cultural forum that strengthens Ukrainian-American ties through art, discussion, and shared experience.

About “Mustache Funk (Vusatyi fank)”

Language: Ukrainian with English subtitles

Description: In the late 1960s, Soviet authorities promoted vocal-instrumental ensembles, known as VIAs, as controlled alternatives to Western rock groups. In Ukraine, musicians pushed against the state-sanctioned sound. Blending Ukrainian musical traditions with funk, rock, and contemporary global influences, these musicians created a sound that was original, modern, and far more adventurous than Soviet cultural authorities intended.

The film features the story of bands including Smerichka, Berezen, Dzvony, Vodohrai, Mriya, Svityaz, Zhyva Voda, Berkut, Vizerunky Shliakhiv, Muzyky, Kobza, Arnica, and many others.

The filmmakers coined the term “Mustache Funk” for this musical phenomenon, a scene that combined Ukrainian musical traditions with contemporary sounds and rhythms while developing inside the restrictions of the Soviet system.

The film premiered at the 49th Kyiv International Film Festival Molodist and was later released theatrically in Ukraine.

Produced by TTM Studio with the support of the State Film Agency of Ukraine and the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

About the Film | Trailer  

Time

6:30 PM — Doors Open

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Movie Screening

9:00 - 9:30 PM — Discussion

Seating is limited. Early RSVP recommended.

Tickets

General Admission — $15

Students — $10

Seniors— $10

One hundred percent (100%) of the net proceeds from this event will benefit Nova Ukraine, located at 425 Page Mill Road, FL 2, Palo Alto, CA 94306, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Nova Ukraine’s annual report and more information are available at www.novaukraine.org. “Net Proceeds” means the amount actually received after all costs, expenses, and deductions.

Fall Ukrainian Film Series Dates

Please be advised that the dates and times are subject to change.

September 3 - 6:30 - 9:30 pm

September 17 - 6:30 - 9:30 pm

September 24 - 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Parking discount:

3-9 PM

825 Sansome Street, San Francisco

15$ for the parking per vehicle plus 10$ if it is an oversized vehicle like pickup.

Guests will have to mention that they are going to the Ukrainian event.

About the Venue

C Ukraine is a cultural space and pop-up store that showcases and celebrates Ukrainian art, heritage, and innovation.

Located at: 875 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA

Guests can explore Ukrainian traditions, contemporary design, and creative brands — and now, engage with Ukrainian cinema in an intimate setting.

Disclaimer:

Nova Ukraine reserves the right to use photos and videos taken during the event for marketing and publicity on our website, social media, or any third-party publication. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform an event organizer and/or a photographer.

Nova Ukraine shall implement reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized recording or duplication during the screening at the event.