LA Santos, Kira Balinger take pride in ‘Maple Leaf Dreams,’ from ‘Lolo and the Kid’ writer-director

The lead stars of “Maple Leaf Dreams” are more than proud of being the lead stars of this newest film from the same writer-director of the hit Netflix film Lolo and the Kid — Benedict Mique.

This Canada-set film tells a story that depicts present realities and celebrates the Filipinos’ remarkable spirit and love for family.

Starring LA Santos and Kira Balinger, Maple Leaf Dreams is an official entry in the Sinag Maynila Film Festival, which will be shown from September 4-8 in select local cinemas.

The movie will also have a nationwide release beginning September 25. It is produced by 7K Entertainment, Lonewolf Films, and ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, and is distributed by Quantum Films.

During the press conference of the movie on August 26 at MESA Tomas Morato, Kira Balinger and LA Santos discussed the challenges they faced while portraying their characters in “Maple Leaf Dreams,” emphasizing their effort to authentically represent the stories of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers).

LA Santos expressed the pride in how the film succeeded in depicting the true experiences of OFWs, which are often not given justice in other films. He said, “It was very challenging din talaga. Kasi kami ni Kira as an actor we really try our best na i-portray nang totoo yung character. Kasi lalo na ang nire-represent namin ni Kira dito ay mga OFW na talagang hindi nabibigyan ng justice yung side ng kwento nila sa mga ibang pelikula.

“Doon naman ako proud sa ‘Maple Leaf Dreams’ na napakita namin yung totoong kwento ng mga OFW,” he continued.

On the other hand, Kira Balinger seconded and reflected her internal struggle with being an actress, “Ako naman, gano’n din. Very, very challenging. Kung kami ni LA, na-challenge kami as actors to portray ‘tong role ng OFW, imagine-in natin kung gaano kahirap pa para sa totoong OFW. Pero wale e. Ito yung trabaho na mahal ko. I love portraying different types of roles. So, sobrang blessed ko talaga to be part of this story.”

She added, “Maraming beses na gusto ko sumuko sa pagiging artista. Wale e. Ang nakikita n’yo kasi, the glamorous side of everything. Pero ang hindi n’yo nakikita, kung gaano din ka-unfair, kahirap din sa industry namin.

“Pero kasi pag nai-imagine ko na, ‘sige, suko ako dito sa pagiging artista, what happens next? What will I be? What do I want to become?’ Parang pag nag-iisip ako ng ibang gusto kong gawin sa buhay na maging talagang trabaho ko, hindi tama e. It doesn’t sit right with me. Mahal na mahal ko ang pagiging actress. Hindi ko ma-imagine ang sarili ko na gumagawa ng ibang trabaho. Kaya laban lang.”

In the story, Santos and Balinger play Macky and Molly, a boyfriend and girlfriend who try their luck in Canada to seek a better life for their respective families. The couple’s journey is filled with challenges and fears that test their love and willingness to pursue their dreams. Eighty percent of the film was shot on location in Toronto, Canada. The cast includes acclaimed stars Joey Marquez and Snooky Serna who play Molly’s parents, and Ricky Davao who portrays Macky’s father. In very special roles are Malou Crisologo, Jong Cuenco, Jeff Gaitan, Hannah Thalia Vito, Luke Alford, Kanishia Santos, Benito Mique, Wilson Martinito and Canada-based beauty queen Bea Rose Santiago.

Direk Benedict said he was motivated to make “Maple Leaf Dreams” because of the influx of Pinoys to Canada. “Kung noon, sa US at Europe nagpupunta ang mga Pilipino para humanap ng mas magandang buhay, ngayon Canada na ang destination.”

While many other local motion pictures have explored the story of the Filipino in other countries, “Maple Leaf Dreams” stands out for its timeliness and genuine understanding of the OFW experience. LA, three-time Best Supporting Actor, declares, “Ipapakita namin sa pelikula kung ano ang talagang pinagdadaanan ng OFWs sa Canada, at saka kung gaano kahirap magpunta sa isang lugar na hindi ka pamilyar.”

Direk Benedict stayed for months in Toronto to research and to talk to several Filipinos living and working there. Some of these Pinoys were cast in the film.

Kira also said, “When you say OFW, you immediately think of the successful family member who is in another country. What we will be showing is how they got to be successful, all of their struggles to make their dreams come true.”

Filming in Canada was certainly a learning experience on and off screen for the entire team. “Natutunan ko sa character ko na hindi madali ang buhay pero ang mga taong makakasama natin at ang mga taong mamahalin natin, sila rin ang hahatak sa atin paitas,” said LA.

“Maple Leaf Dreams” will also have theatrical screenings in Canada.