A family flees USSR in pursuit ofthe American dreamin the new filmPotato Dreams of America, and you can catch a sneak peek with our exclusive clip. Inspired by Russian-American filmmaker Wes Hurley’s real-life memories as an immigrant who migrated stateside in his youth, the film primarily follows a young boy referred to as Potato along with the many members of his family. Some of them share their different opinions on the importance of having a father in the family in our exclusive clip, which you can watch below.
Potato Dreams of Americafeatures an ensemble cast that includes Jonathan Bennett (Mean Girls), Lea DeLaria (Orange Is the New Black), and Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years). Also featured are Marya Sea Kaminski (Waxie Moon in Fallen Jewel), Sera Barbieri (Three Busy Debras), Tyler Bocock, Hersh Powers, Sophia Mitri Schloss (Big Shot), Cynthia Lauren Tewes, Lady Rizo, James Grixoni (Twin Peaks), and Alycia Delmore (Take Me). Hurley directs and produced with Mischa Jakupcak, while Eliza Flug, Sarah Crowe, and Mel Eslyn executive produced.
The official synopsis reads: “Wes Hurley’s autobiographical dark comedy tells the story of a gay boy growing up in the collapsing USSR, his courageous mail-order bride mother and their adventurous escape to America. Full of unexpected twists, the film is an immigrant’s take on the American Dream and the power of cinema, proving that life is often stranger than fiction.”
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Potato Dreams of America Was a Hit at Film Festivals
Potato Dreams of Americais gearing up for it wider release after finding some success during its festival run. It premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival in 2021 and was well-received. The film also earned a best screenplay award at Outfest, perTHR. It has since been picked up by Dark Star Pictures for a DVD, VOD, and Digital release this month.
“My producer Mischa Jakupcak and I are thrilled to have Dark Star be the North American home ofPotato Dreams of Americaand help bring this unique and timely comedy to theaters and homes around the country,” Hurley said in a statement at the time.
President of Dark Star Pictures Michael Repsch added, “Potato Dreams of Americais the kind of unique and compelling narrative that Dark Star wants to share with audiences. Director Wes Hurley has managed to tell a personal story in a humorous yet moving way that strikes an emotional chord with the viewer.”
Hurley, born andraised in Russia, moved to Seattle at the age of 16. Some of his previous projects includeWaxie Moon,Waxie Moon in Fallen Jewel,Zolushka, andRusalka. He might be best known stateside as the creator of the web/TV seriesCapitol Hill, named after Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood and inspired by popular 70s and 80s TV shows likeDallasandCharlie’s Angels.It starred Waxie Moon, Robbie Turner, BenDeLaCreme, Jinkx Monsoon, and Guinevere Turner.
Potato Dreams of Americawill be released on DVD, VOD, and Digital outlets on Jun 17, 2025.
