This reflects my Japanese American childhood and how I've navigated various relationships in my life. It is a journey of growth through memory and imagination, embodying the complexities of coming-of-age as a Queer Japanese American.

~whimsicality and nostalgia of Japanese coming-of-age films~

Monster (2023) and All About Lily Chou-Chou (2001):

As a Japanese person who grew up far from Japan, these films capture a life I've never lived. They embody a childhood I will never have, experiences that are lost forever. I sift through my fragmented identity by watching the screen and manifesting it into reality through my filmmaking. Potatoes in the Garden marks one iteration of this process.

The immersive worlds of these films combine specific visual, sonic, and theoretical elements to evoke universal longings for the past. Beautifully intentional set design and locations, breathtaking cinematography, devastating soundtracks, and thoughtful editing sequences hold the core essence of Japanese filmmaking. I strive to live up to my roots and reach these standards in my storytelling. The people who came before me guide my art, and I hope to do the same for those who will come after.

In the film, Haru and Riku are two Japanese Asian American kids who struggle to find themselves in the growing complexities of adolescence and classroom social dynamics. Their tense confrontations plague them with guilt, longing, and regret. This short shows one moment of their friendship that will change their life forever.

RIKU is childish and immature with a distorted, self-centered worldview. Harsh bullying and exclusion within the classroom hierarchy has pushed him further into his diluted imagination. His repeated mistakes and lack of self-awareness keeps him trapped in cycles of isolation, ruining the one chance he had of befriending Haru. He does not realize that his desire to feel accepted fuels his desperation.

HARU quietly longs for a best friend, someone to share everything with and feel close to. Despite being well-liked by their peers, they feel detached and suffocated by the facades of classroom normalcy. Riku's defiance to norms gives them a break from the monotony of social expectations, but navigating this proves to be a challenge in itself.

Queer Japanese Asian American media is sorely lacking. Our specific identities are overshadowed by mainstream stereotypes and fetishizations, rendering us invisible, caricaturized, or both. In a time where the system is crueler than ever, making art and fostering connections with community is what gives us hope. This film is for real people, for the

people who are bearing the weight of resistance with us or quietly lying in wait for a hand to hold.

We're aiming for a budget of 2k with anything over going to additional cast and crew needs and a more thorough post-production process.

We are currently deep in pre-production, aiming for a four-day shoot in April leading through May. Any amount helps get us there, but if you're not in the position for that and you still want to contribute, please follow and share our campaign with anyone and everyone! <3

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thank you so much for your support!! we will make something beautiful.