The Debut (2000)

Overview

Filipino-American high school student Ben (Dante Basco) works in a comic book shop to earn money to pay his way into Cal Arts. His father, a postman, is determined that his son--who has won a pre-med scholarship to UCLA--will become a doctor. The eighteenth birthday party of Ben's sister, Rose, sets off a comedic and touching series of events and family struggles that will in turn determine young Ben's future. This fresh independent production from Gene Cajayon presents a lighthearted and warm coming-of-age tale filtered through the eyes of an American subculture rarely seen on film.

Featured Cast

Dante Basco

Ben Mercado

Jayson Schaal

Doug

Brian Card

Dave

Mindy Spence

Jennifer

Nicole Hawkyard

Susie

Brandon Martinez

Rick