The Debut
“One night can change a lifetime.”
Storyline
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.
Cast & Crew
Dante Basco
Ben Mercado
LeadJayson Schaal
Doug
Brian Card
Dave
Mindy Spence
Jennifer
Nicole Hawkyard
Susie
Brandon Martinez
Rick
Ernie Zarate
Tito Lenny
Gina Alajar
Gina Mercado
What People Are Saying
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Gene Cajayon's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
“Every frame feels alive. The Debut is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
