“Yung wife ko and ‘yung bunso ko, nasa Canada. That’s the reason why ginawa ko ‘to,” shares director Benedict Mique at the media conference of the Sinag Maynila 2024 official entry ‘Maple Leaf Dreams.’
Credits to 7k Entertainment
Stories about OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) are not new to us. One of the highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time is actually about two migrant workers living in Hong Kong. For us Filipinos, these stories are universal because someone in the family may be an OFW, if not, we know someone that is close to us. We Filipinos are resilient, we put our families first. That’s the main reason why some of us chose and are still choosing to be away from our loved ones just to earn and provide for them. And this being a personal project for director Benedict Mique, ‘Maple Leaf Dreams’ aims to transcend the experience of being an OFW.
As for its stars, LA Santos and Kira Balinger wishes their performances will give justice to what our OFWs are going through visually and emotionally.
“It was very challenging kasi kami ni Kira as actors, we try our best to portray na totoo ‘yung characters lalo na’t nire-represent namin dito ay mga OFW. Gusto naming bigyan ng justice ‘yung kwento nila. Dun ako proud sa Maple Leaf Dreams kasi naipakita namin ang totoong kwento ng mga OFWs,” shares LA Santos who plays the lead actor Macky in Maple Leaf Dreams.
”Ako naman, very challenging. Kung kami ni LA na-challenge kami as actors to portray ‘yung roles as OFW, imagine natin kung gaano kahirap pa sa totoong OFW. Pero ito ‘yung trabaho na mahal ko. I love portraying different kinds of roles. Sobrang blessed ko to be part of this story,” Kira Balinger who plays Molly in Maple Leaf Dreams shares on her experience doing the OFW movie.
Fresh from the success of “Lolo and the Kid”, maverick writer-director Benedict Mique brings another film that depicts present realities and celebrates the Filipinos’ remarkable spirit and love for family.
The new movie is “Maple Leaf Dreams”; it is an official entry in the Sinag Maynila Film Festival to be shown from September 4-8 in select local cinemas. “Maple Leaf Dreams” will have a big nationwide release beginning September 25. The project is produced by 7K Entertainment and Benedict’s own Lonewolf Films and ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, and distributed by Quantum Films.
Playing the lead stars are today’s most promising love team of multi-awarded actor-singer LA Santos and screen sweetheart Kira Balinger. In the story, they 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 says 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 adds, “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,” says LA.
“Maple Leaf Dreams” will also have theatrical screenings in Canada.
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Watch our coverage of the ‘Maple Leaf Dreams’ media conference below: