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

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.