‘Maple Leaf Dreams’ becomes first Pinoy indie with wide Canadian release

Fresh from its Philippine premiere as an official full-length feature entry of Sinag Manila Film Festival 2024, the inspirational drama film Maple Leaf Dreams is set for wide theatrical release starting September 25 in the Philippines.

Following closely, beginning September 27, the film will also screen in major cities across Canada—Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver—marking the first time an independently produced Filipino film will be shown in Canadian cinemas. This near-simultaneous release underscores the film’s commitment to connecting with the very Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) whose stories it seeks to tell.

During the red carpet premiere, lead actors LA Santos and Kira Balinger shared their thoughts on the project.

LA expressed his gratitude for working with Kira, underscoring the dedication she brings to her craft.

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“I’m just very lucky to be given the chance na maka-work si Ms. Kira. Talagang grabe, grabe yung dedication niya, saka yung hardwork niya para sa trabaho niya, saka sa pamilya na rin.”

(I’m just very lucky to be given the chance to work with Ms. Kira. Truly, her dedication is incredible, and so is her hard work for her job, as well as for her family.)

In jest, LA then added a quick message for Kira’s family.

“Kaya, hi po Tita Vicky, [sa] Mommy and Daddy ni Kira. Si uncle, hi uncle!”

(So, hello to Tita Vicky, Kira’s mom and dad. And to uncle, hello uncle!)

He continued by acknowledging the working dynamics of their love team.

“Kaya, ayun po, sobrang suwerte ko talaga na nagkaroon ako ng chance sa gan’to, saka mas makilala pa si Kira. Masasabi kong grabe siya, grabe siyang leading lady. Saka alam ko po na sobrang malayo pa yung mararating niya.”

(So, yes, I’m really lucky to have been given this opportunity, and to get to know Kira even more. I can truly say that she’s amazing, an amazing leading lady. And I know she’ll go far in the future.)

Kira, on the other hand, reflected on the uniqueness of their film, especially when asked how Maple Leaf Dreams compares to the upcoming Hello, Love, Goodbye sequel starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, which is also set in Canada.

“Para sa ‘kin, I believe that, you know, every OFW story is different. I mean, we may have the same location as Hello, Love, Again, pero malay po natin, baka magiging sad yung ending nila, sa amin [naman ay] happy… I believe that every OFW story [deserves] to be told, and that they all are different.”

(For me, I believe that, you know, every OFW story is different. I mean, we may have the same location as Hello, Love, Again, but who knows, maybe their ending will be sad, and ours will be happy… I believe that every OFW story deserves to be told, and that they all are different.)

Director Benedict Mique also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of telling more stories about OFWs.

“I think, the more OFW stories na maipapalabas, the more beneficial sa ating mga kababayan… The more na we support Filipino films na ganito, is the more na nasu-support din natin yung mga kamag-anak natin, mga mahal natin sa buhay abroad.”

(I think, the more OFW stories that get released, the more beneficial it is for our fellow countrymen… The more we support Filipino films like this, the more we support our relatives and loved ones abroad.)

Maple Leaf Dreams is co-written by Mique and Hannah Cruz, and tells the story of Molly and Macky, played by Kira Balinger and LA Santos, a couple who move to Toronto in search of better job opportunities.

Throughout the film, they face personal, professional, and cultural challenges that test their relationship and their choice to migrate.

The film features a strong cast, including Joey Marquez, Snooky Serna, Ricky Davao, Malou Crisologo, Jong Cuenco, Jeff Gaitan, Hannah Thalia Vito, Luke Alford, and Kanishia Santos.

It also includes notable Filipinos based in Canada, such as Benito Mique, Wilson Martinito, and beauty queen Bea Rose Santiago.

Eighty percent of the film was shot on location in Canada, showcasing iconic landmarks like Niagara Falls, CN Tower, Kensington Market, Eaton Center, and downtown Toronto.

Produced by 7K Entertainment, Lonewolf Films, and ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, Maple Leaf Dreams is distributed by Quantum Films in the Philippines and Robe Entertainment in Canada.