Award-winning actor, singer, and songwriter LA Santos, alongside screen sweetheart Kira Balinger, starred in the film Maple Leaf Dreams. They graced the Star Magic Spotlight event on September 26, 2024, where they discussed the film and their experiences during the shoot.
Fresh off the success of Lolo and the Kid, maverick writer-director Benedict Mique presents a heartfelt OFW film, with eighty percent of the movie filmed on location in Toronto, Canada.
LA shared his experience filming, “Hindi namin makakalimutan ni Kira yung mga nakasama naming OFW doon sa Canada kasi grabe yung hospitality nila. Grabe yung pagkabait nila talaga.”
For his previous film In His Mother’s Eyes, LA received Best Supporting Actor awards by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), FAMAS and Star Awards for Movies. Now, LA portrays Macky, a restaurant manager who willingly embraces his girlfriend’s plan to migrate to Canada. Together, they navigate the challenges of fitting in while tirelessly working toward the fulfillment of their dreams.
“Alam kong hindi lang para sa pamilya ko ‘to, para sa mga Pilipino na rin ito na may OFW families,” LA said when asked who he thinks the film is for.
Playing Molly, Macky’s girlfriend, is Kira Balinger. She takes on one of her most challenging roles to date, as Molly went on an emotional journey, deciding to move to Canada in search of a better life for her family.
“I think the hardest part is really wanting to do the OFW role properly–with all honesty kung gaano talaga kabigat yung buhay OFW,” Kira said after being asked about the hardest part of filming.
To portray their roles as blue-collar employees convincingly, both LA and Kira spent time working in similar establishments.
When asked about their message for OFWs, LA expressed, “I’m gonna do my best for Macky, na ma-represent kayo nang maayos kasi ‘yun lang din yung gusto ko as an actor–yung marepresent yung mga tao. I hope yung mga OFW, kahit papaano mapasaya kayo ng movie namin ni Kira.”
On the other hand Kira shared, “Sa ating mga OFW, people may look down on you, people may discriminate you, but please always remember that you are one of the strongest, most loving FIlipinos that we have and we are so proud of you.”
Produced by 7K Entertainment and Loneworld Films, the story resonates deeply with many, celebrating the unwavering spirit and profound familial love of Filipinos.
Maple Leaf Dreams had its nationwide release last September 25, 2024 and will also have screenings scheduled in Canada.
