The preparation that Kira Balinger and LA Santos underwent to portray young OFWs in “Maple Leaf Dreams” was intense.
Director Benedict Mique, who co-wrote the story with Hannah Cruz, revealed that the young actors underwent an immersive experience for their roles before the team flew to Toronto, Canada, where 80% of the movie was filmed.
LA, whose family owns several businesses, including Mesa Restaurant on Tomas Morato, washed dishes and worked as a server at a canteen in Comembo, while Kira worked in the office of a grocery store. Director Bene also forbade them from using their cars, insisting they take public transportation. LA and Kira wore masks as they commuted on the MRT for a week.
“Sabi ko dapat magkasama kayo pumunta kayo don mag MRT kayo, mag jeep kayo. After that, may junk shop ako, sabi ko magpunta kayo sa junkshop, magtrabaho kayo doon.
Observe how people do it,” related the director. “Kasi iba ang lakad ng nagtratrabaho, iba ang dala ng bag. Dun pa lang sablay na kayo. Kaya ayun, very natural. Hindi ‘nyo sila makikita, ang makikita nyo ‘yung character.”
Aside from learning how the other half lived, Kira and LA also became more comfortable with each other during the immersion.
“The immersion was a huge help. It wasn’t easy. LA was cleaning tables and serving in the canteen,” said Direk Bene.
What can he say about his two young stars?
“LA and Kira are good. I don’t go into a project if I don’t think the actors can handle it,” he said.
In addition to the fine performances that audiences can look forward to, Director Bene highlighted the uniqueness of the “Maple Leaf Dreams” story. The film showcases a specific program in Canada that has not been tackled in other films. Director Bene, whose wife and one of his children are in Canada, knows this experience well.
Co-writer Hannah Cruz added that the story of Molly (Kira) and Macky (LA), a Gen Z couple trying their luck in Canada, distinctly captures the Canadian experience.
Hannah explained: “Pinakamalaking part po is ‘yung milieu which is Canada. Eventhough may similar experiences po yung mga pumupunta sa iba’t ibang bansa, may specific din po na parang struggles, for example ‘yung weather since tropical country po tayo. Ang hirap din pong adjustment sa kind po ng community na meron sa Canada, kung pano mag aadjust ‘yung Filipinos from close-knit families to medyo isolated. Medyo mas na-fe-feel mo ang lamig ng holidays.
“We also incorporated ‘yung feel ng GenZ. Involved din pong element sa movie is ‘yung vlog, kasi marami rin po nag vlog na OFW from Canada… and ‘yung spirit po ng GenZ na, are you willing to risk it for your dreams? Between being impractical or be a dreamer, where do you stand and how much are you willing to risks for your dreams? We wanted to encapsulate that experience, that Canadian experience, and at the same time spirit ng youth, we want to dream for ourselves, for our family.”
Director Bene emphasized the importance of telling OFW stories.
“I think OFW stories shouldn’t only be told during Christmas or once a year. Every OFW story needs to be told.”
“Maple Leaf Dreams” also stars Ricky Davao, Joey Marquez, and Snooky Serna. Produced by Lonewolf Films, 7K Entertainment, and Star Magic Studios, the romance-drama is part of the Sinag Maynila Festival and will be in cinemas starting September 25.
