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 Sept. 4-8 in select local cinemas. “Maple Leaf Dreams” will have a big nationwide release beginning Sept. 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.