Benedict Mique’s Movie Maple Leaf Dreams Tackles Stories Of Filipinos In Canada
Director Benedict Mique shares his experience doing the movie in Canada, his family’s relocation to the country, and listening to stories of OFWs
Benedict Mique is known for his work as director of ML starring Eddie Garcia and Mars Ravelo’s Darna starring Jane de Leon. His most recent work, Lolo and the Kid, shown on Netflix has also received good reviews. However, Mique’s working on a new film: Maple Leaf Dreams.
The film stars young actors LA Santos and Kira Balinger as a couple who went to Canada to try their luck and work for their respective families. Aside from the OFW and romantic drama story, Mique also got to interview Filipinos based in Canada on what life has been like since relocating there.
From Mique’s Own Experience
During the press conference for the film, Mique explained that despite being an OFW story, it shows another storyline rarely discussed. His wife and child were already in Canada before the filming of the movie
“Nag-aaral ang wife ko doon. Naka-graduate na siya. Two years ago, nagpunta siya doon kasama yung bunso namin. Iyon ang nangyari,” Mique said of his family’s move to Canada.
Mique recalled how his wife and son initially lived in the basement of a home and later encouraged them to get a better place to stay. “I’m lucky kahit papaano kasi may pera kami pero imagine the majority of people na hindi lang Filipino but ibang nationalities. Ang hirap ng buhay.”
Before even the film, he already heard about the influx of Filipinos to Canada.
“It’s the new America. Dati America ang pinanpangarap. Kaya naisip ko ang story.“
“Masaya sa Canada. But when you start living the real life there, malungkot,” he said. ” Hindi katulad dito na kahit kailan gusto mo lumabas. Doon, six months, eight months all year round ang lamig. It affects your mentality.”
Maple Leaf Dreams: Stories of Filipinos Abroad
Mique also shared some stories of Filipino families and couples he was able to talk to about their life in Canada.
“Sa movie makikita ‘nyo mga maraming advantages and disadvantages when you go to another country like Canada. Lumalakas ang kapit ‘nyo sa pamilya kasi wala kayong kasama kung hindi sila. Kayo lang talaga,” he said.
” Kung sino man ang kasama ‘nyo doon, talagang lalaban kayo. Kasi wala kayong pupuntahan kung hindi ang isa’t isa.“
When they were doing research for the film, Mique disclosed that one of the issues that has been a concern among the Filipino community in Canada was that of domestic violence.
“Binubugbog ng mga lalaki yung mga asawa nila. Kasi usually nauuna doon ang mga babae magtrabaho. Yung mga lalaki pupunta doon tapos madidpress kasi wala siyang trabaho, ang trabaho niya ganito. Natatamaan ang ego nila. Then maghihiwalay sila,” he shared.
All stories need to be heard
With many OFW stories, why do Filipino audiences need to see Maple Leaf Dream? Mique again emphasizes the other angles people may not be aware of.
“Ang unique story nito is really what’s happening in Canada, especially the international students,” he said. ” It’s a unique opportunity that you go to Canada and Australia and bring study then and bring your spouse or partner and the other one works.”
He even told his actors Kira Balinger and LA Santos to immerse themselves in the work of regular office work and commute.
“If makita nyo [sila] sa film, iba ang galaw nila,” he said.
Having helmed a story from a child and grandparent’s point of view, why is it important for Mique to share stories of families? Mique mused for a moment before answering.
“Passion ito and bonus [sa akin]. Kasi it’s a legacy. Hindi naman ako matatandaan ng anak ko sa junk shop pero matatandaan nila ako na when they grow up, napanood nila itong mga pelikula – it’s a legacy to your children.”
According to the director, Maple Leaf Dream’s release date is on September 25.
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