Podtalk: Laura Madalinski of ‘Two in the Bush’ at Midwest Independent Film Fest, Oct. 2, 2018

CHICAGO – The movie love story is a staple, but rarely has it been explored in the way co-writer/director Laura Madalinski takes it on. The polyamorous adventures of three people is the basis for “Two in the Bush: A Love Story,” the next feature film at the Midwest Independent Film Festival on Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018, at Chicago’s Landmark Century Centre Cinema. For more details and ticket info, including the topic of the before-the-film “Producers Panel,” click here. [22]

“Two in the Bush” is the story of Emily (Sarah Mitchell), who has broken up with her live-in girlfriend and loses her job at the same time. She finds refuge on the couch of close friend Rosa (Melissa DuPrey), who also sets her up for employment as the front desk attendant in a leather shop, with the added attraction of dominatrix rooms for their kinky customers. One of the main “doms” is Nikki (Caitlin Aase) who has an attraction for Emily, while Nikki’s boyfriend Ben (Travis Delgado) has a similar attraction. The three of them enter a “polyamorous” relationship, openly spending time with each other in pairs or all together. Can Emily handle the many unconventional changes in her life?

’Two in the Bush: A Love Story,’ Directed by Laura Madalinski
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com

Making her debut as director is Laura Madalinski (she also co-wrote the scenario with Kelly Haas). Since 2009, she has worked on a number of films mostly as an editor, but also has a credit as Assistant Director on the TV film “Love Under Fire: The Story of Bertha and Potter Palmer.” She based “Two in the Bush” on events in her own life, and has generated an unusual blend of romance and fringe lifestyles.

The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been recognized by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one of the top places for local filmmakers, producers and actors to network in the city. The festival also offers the Producer’s Panel and a post screening after party.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, director Laura Madalinski of “Two in the Bush” talks about the unconventional relationships in the film and the challenges and triumphs of being a first-time director.

[24]	By PATRICK McDONALD [25] Editor and Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com [24]