To the Sound of Legendary Hits: International Premiere of a Documentary About Gipsy Kings Takes Place in Monaco

An open-air screening, a live performance by the musicians, and hundreds of spectators: director Joel Van der Molen and his camera operator Nana Nabiieva shared the atmosphere of the film’s presentation in Monte Carlo. 

Early June traditionally turns Monaco into one of the brightest centers of social and sporting life. From June 5 to 7, the Principality hosted the Monaco Grand Prix, the sixth round of the Formula One World Championship. The legendary circuit winding through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo has long become not only a symbol of motorsport but also a gathering place for representatives of the art, film, and music industries.

It was during these days that Monte Carlo hosted the international premiere of a documentary dedicated to the world-renowned band Gipsy Kings. Joel Van der Molen’s Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo (2026) has already attracted considerable attention: in May 2026, the film reached the number one spot in Amazon Music Documentaries’ UK category.

“The screening in Monaco was an extraordinary celebration of a journey that has taken years to bring to the screen. Seeing the documentary received so warmly by such a distinguished audience, followed by a remarkable performance from the Gipsy Kings, made for a truly unforgettable evening. It was especially significant as it marked the first time the Gipsy Kings had performed as part of a Formula One weekend in Monaco, adding a historic dimension to an already special occasion. It was a celebration of the story we have told together, the legacy of the band, and the launch of their wonderful new album, Historia. The response from everyone in attendance was overwhelming and confirmed just how deeply the music, the documentary, and the family’s journey continue to resonate with audiences around the world,” Joel Van der Molen said. 

Earlier, his documentary Gypsy Billionaire reached No.1 on Amazon Prime in the UK, won the SIFFA Film Festival President Award, and iSuccess Top 100 documentaries in Cannes, south of France, and now he is exploring more opportunities to deliver intimate, character-driven storytelling. 

Nana Nabiieva (Nana Nabi), a Ukrainian cinematographer and one of the camera operators on the film, who has been actively building an international career over the past nine years, described the presentation in Monaco as a true celebration of music and cinema.

According to the cinematographer, the screening followed a format typical of summer events in Monaco.

“It was a large outdoor screen set up on the Rose de France Rooftop. Around 200 people attended. Everyone enjoyed the film, and many danced when their favorite songs came on,” she shared.

The atmosphere of the event extended far beyond the venue itself.

“Since everything was taking place outdoors, we could see people stepping out onto their balconies to listen to the music and watch the film. There was a wonderful sense of community. People sang along and shouted out the lyrics. It was truly heartwarming to watch,” Nana Nabi recalled.

The audience warmly embraced not only the musical aspect of the film but also praised its visual style. Particular attention was paid to the cinematography.

“Industry experts noted that the film was shot in a highly original and talented way,” — Nana Nabiieva said.

The Monaco Grand Prix has long evolved beyond a purely sporting event. Every year during race weekend, the Principality becomes a venue for exclusive screenings, presentations, and gatherings of leading figures from the international creative industries.

This year, one of those events was the premiere of Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo (2026), a documentary dedicated to the legendary music group. For Ukrainian cinematographer Nana Nabi, the screening marked another milestone in her international career and served as further proof that Ukrainian professionals are increasingly making their mark on the global cultural scene.

The evening in Monte Carlo demonstrated that true cinema extends far beyond the screen. It has the power to create an atmosphere, unite people, and transform a premiere into an event that will be remembered long after the final chords of the Gipsy Kings’ legendary hits have faded away.

Watch the documentary on Amazon Prime or via https://gktonino.lnk.to/docu.