POTATO DREAMS OF AMERICA
THURSDAY, OCT 14, 7:30 PM, EGYPTIAN CINEMA (Open Captioned) &
VIRTUAL (OCT 14–24)
SPONSORED BY:
Wes Hurley; 2021; USA; 95 min.
Life in the former USSR is tough, and it’s all young “Potato” can do to survive the local school bullies, his mother Elena’s boyfriends, and his bossy grandmother (played to perfection by Lea DeLaria). Escaping into the pirated American movies they watch as often as they can, both Potato and his mother have dreams of a better life. By way of a marriage of convenience, Elena takes herself and Potato to America, a journey filled with surprises at every turn (not least of which is that, stateside, both roles are played by new actors, a clever bit of casting that shows how the journey has changed them). The cast also includes Jonathan Bennett (Mean Girls) as Jesus, Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years) as Elena’s American husband, and a bevy of local theater and burlesque talent.
Director Wes Hurley, a Seattle hometown hero, has screened several of his films at SQFF, including CAPITOL HILL, WAXIE MOON IN FALLEN JEWEL, and ZOLUSHKA. His latest work is autobiographical (“a big gay valentine to his adopted city”) and filled with the kind of delights and wonders that can be achieved only through firsthand experience. Hurley has created a unique interpretation of the American dream, and one that should resonate with anyone who has ever longed for something more. It’s a picture as warm and thoughtful as it is wild and unexpected, and we’re thrilled to showcase it as our opening night film.
We’ll be joined after the screening for a Q&A with writer/director Wes Hurley, Grammy Award winning artist Lady Rizo, and select members of the cast and crew.
CONTENT WARNINGS: NO CONTENT WARNING