For writer and first-time director Maya Forbes, her film Infinitely Polar Bear is about as personal as it gets. Based largely on her own childhood, the film is set in 1978 Boston and stars Mark Ruffalo as a father with bipolar disorder struggling to raise his two daughters. Zoe Saldana plays his wife who is off trying to better herself in college. Forbes' sister had a hand in composing the film's soundtrack, but what is most interesting is that her daughter Imogene Wolodarsky plays the character inspired by her mother. And if that sounds like it may have made for some interesting days on set, well then you're right.
Infinitely Polar Bear debuted to strong reviews at Sundance and Toronto, and it set to open on June 26th here in DC. I was fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Forbes to talk about the making of the film, working with her daughter, and telling a light dramedy about a serious subject. You can listen to that interview below, and be sure to keep an eye out for Mae's review.
