Witness the struggles and successes of Filipinos In Canada through "Maple Leaf Dreams", a heartwarming film


By Boy Romero 
 
Opening in Philippine theaters nationwide on September 25,2024 is "Maple Leaf Dreamsm" The lead characters named Nolly and Macky are played by  Star Magic artistsKira Balinger and L A Santos. The movie is directed by Benedict Mique who is behind  the hit Netflix film, "Lolo and the Kid."
And beginning September 27, cinemas in major cities in Canada namely: Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver will also ,,be showing "Maple Leaf Dreams." The feat narks  the first time that an indepedently produced Filipino film will be screened in Canada. With only two days difference, "Maple Leaf Dreams" wikl have a simultaneous showing in the Philippines and Canada
"I would say, it is a wide release in Canada because the chosen locations are typically targeted to play Filipino films," said  Roselle T. Lorenzo of Robe Entertainment.
In the story co-written by Benedict Mique and Hannah Cruz, Kira and L A portray Molly and Macky, a couple who move to Toronto to seek better jobs. Along the wat, they experience  professional, personal and cultural setbacks that tests their decision and their love.
Aside from Joey Marquez, Snooky Serna, Ricky Davao, Malou Crisologo,, Jong Cuenco, Jeff Gaitan, Hannah Thalia, Vito Luke Alford and Kanisha Santos, the cast also includes Filipinos based in Canada  such as Benito Mique and beauty queen BeavRose Santiago.
Eigthy percent was shot on location in Canada, several scenes feature popular spots like Niagara Falls, CN Tower,  Kensinton Market, Eaton Center and downtown Toronto.
Filming in Canada for several weeks opened the eyes and hearts of Kira and L A to the beauty of the "Great  White North"  and the real situation of Canada-based Pinoys.
"Kahit maganda na yung buhay ng  mga kababayan natin doon, lagi pa rin nila sinasabi sa amin na mas gusto pa rin nila sa Pilipinas." revealed L A.
The film has created anticipation among Fil- Canadian communities.
"They are very excited to watch because this is their story," said Roselle. " A lof of Filipinos still miss home and watching a Filipino film is their way of connecting to the Philippines."
Meanwhile in the Philippines those who've seen it at an advance d screening have praised "Maple Leaf Dreams" for the powerful performances of Kira and L A , the authencity and message, among other wonderful element.
"Hindi siya typical love story. Survival  ito paano tayo lumaban sa isang relationship,  paano maging  Pilipino sa ibang  bansa at kung paano maging mahirap," said actor  Mac Manicad.
"Ang ganda, Thumps up. Walang filter na buhay ng mga OFW," described Wattpad writers Lala Flores, Demi Chan and Josey The Great.
"Na-tackle ang different aspets like  family, love, relationship and OFW issues It gives so much insigths,"  Andy Krishane Garcia, Andrea Christina Book, Samantha Mayor, Lorenzo Pardiñas and Kyle Binasa of the Ateneo Film Organization.
"Maple Leaf Dreams" is produced by 7k Entertainment, Lonewofl Films and ABS CBN' Star Magic and distributed by Quantum Films in the Philippines and Robe Entertainment in Canada.

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