Image: Instagram/@kira_balinger
Being launched for the first time in a movie being now shot in Canada, “Maple Leaf Dreams,” sends shivers down Kira Balinger’s spine.
The pressure, she said, is something that’s very palpable.
“Sobra po. Habang nakaupo kami dito, ‘yung palad ko pinagpapawisan,” she said after the storycon of the movie. (It’s so overwhelming. While we’re seated here, my hands are sweating).
Another big challenge, Kira said, is the powerhouse cast.
“Kita n’yo naman kanina ‘yung kilig ko. Si Ms. Snooky ang Mama ko, si Joey Marquez ang Papa ko. And we’re bringing this to Canada. Budget-wise, napakalaking project po ito. And para sa artist na katulad ko, I can’t really say na I’m on the John Lloyd-Bea Alondo level. So, challenge po talaga ito. Pero, it’s a good challenge for an actress like me na hindi pa (made). I will do my best,” she said. (You saw a while ago my giddiness. Ms. Snooky is my mom, Joey Marquez is my dad. And we’re bringing this to Canada. Budget-wise, this is a big project. And for an artist like me, I can’t really say I am in the John Lloyd-Bea Alonzo level. So, this is really challenging. But it’s a good challenge for an actress like me who isn’t made yet.)
As Molly, Balinger describes her role as someone who just wants to be a “good daughter.”
“Gusto niya lang na bigyan ng magandang buhay ang kanyang pamilya. Iyon talaga si Molly. Inaapi sila. Nakatira sila sa isang maliit na bahay. She really wants to have change. Kailangan niyang gumawa ng paraan,” she said. (She wants to give a good life to her family.. That’s what Molly really is. They are being oppressed. They live in a small house…. She needs to make a way).
Directed by Benedict Mique and written by Hanna Cruz, “Maple Leaf Dreams” is produced by Lonewolf Films in cooperation with JRB Creative Production and Star Magic. /ra