Utah Queer Film Festival continues online October 28-November 3

July 9 to July 18, 2021
PotatoeDreamsOfAmerica-1920
Comedy, Documentary, Gay, Religion, U.S.

Potato Dreams of America

Half dark comedy dystopia, half cheeky autobiography, Wes Hurley explores his own history and that of his mother Elena, their survival through the chaotic and violent years of Perestroika in Vladivostok, Russia, and their rocky emigration to America. An innovative, creative, and singular style brings the audience into their life of hardship in the Soviet Union. Young Potato’s transnational journey is marked by Hollywood films; the vibrant color and positive stories provide hope and a shiny, if inaccurate, understanding of American life. 

The film covers such difficult topics like domestic violence, homophobia, and discrimination in a unique and witty way, finding humor in the absurdity of life even in its darkest moments. Through a twisting and turning narrative, Hurley sticks a positive and complex landing, showing what can happen when people are surrounded by love, support, and open-mindedness. 

– Kieth Turner, Damn These Heels programming committee member

Directed by: Wes Hurley
Film type: Dramatic
Runtime: 95 minutes
Year: 2021
Country: USA
Rating: Not Rated
Language: English
Cast: Marya Sea Kaminksi, Tyler Bocock, Sera Barbieri, Hersh Powers, Dan Lauria, Lea DeLaria, Jonathan Bennett, Sophia Mitri Schloss.
Film format: Streaming
Viewing restrictions: Utah

Based on a short documentary, Little Potato, which won the award for Best Documentary Short at SXSW 2017, Potato Dreams Of America has been presented at SXSW 2021 as well as San Francisco International Film Festival.

Official Selection:

Marya Sea Kaminksi, Tyler Bocock, Sera Barbieri, Hersh Powers, Dan Lauria, Lea DeLaria, Jonathan Bennett, Sophia Mitri Schloss.

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Utah Queer Film Festival returns October 24-26, 2025!