LA Santos, celebrated for his remarkable abilities as a three-time Best Supporting Actor winner, takes on yet another compelling role in “Maple Leaf Dreams,” directed by Benedict Mique. This heartfelt family drama tells the story of Macky, a restaurant manager played by Santos, who embarks on an emotional journey with his girlfriend, Molly (Kira Balinger), as they migrate to Canada in search of better opportunities for their families.

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Joey Marquez, Snooky Serna, and Canada-based beauty queen Bea Rose Santiago. With its world premiere at the ongoing Sinag Maynila Film Festival in Metro Manila—running until September 10—“Maple Leaf Dreams” has already garnered attention and acclaim from industry insiders. The nationwide commercial run is set to begin on September 25, with screenings also scheduled in Canada.

Santos’s impressive portrayal in “In His Mother’s Eyes,” where he played an autistic boy raised by a gay uncle, has positioned him as an emerging talent in the film industry. His dedication to character immersion is evident; for “Maple Leaf Dreams,” both he and Balinger undertook work experiences in lower-class establishments to authentically portray their roles as blue-collar workers. Mique shared that Santos spent a week washing dishes and cleaning tables at a local carinderia to prepare for his character.

In interviews, LA expressed how his character serves as a metaphor for all Filipinos who sacrifice and toil abroad for their loved ones. He remarked on the resilience of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and revealed how their stories inspired him to give justice to Macky’s journey. “We often don’t realize how fortunate we are to have homes to return to and meals to eat every day,” he reflected.

Adding another dimension to the project, LA not only stars but also sings the poignant theme song “Tayo Lang,” which has resonated with fans, garnering almost one million streams on Spotify.

As anticipation builds for “Maple Leaf Dreams,” fans can stay updated through 7K Sounds’ social media accounts across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. With its inspiring storyline and stellar performances, this film promises to touch hearts and highlight the immigrant experience like never before.