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.
Acting
Dante Basco carries the whole damn film on his shoulders.
Writing
Specific, lived-in Filipino-American details you never see on screen.
Production
Shot on shoestring budget, overflowing with authentic heart.
Director
Gene Cajayon
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
One of the first Filipino-American features to get theatrical distribution, paving way for films like 'Crazy Rich Asians' decades later.
Dante Basco was already famous as Rufio in 'Hook' — this was his rare leading man moment in an indie project he believed in.
US
