The Debut (2001)

Ben has spent his life trying to get out from under his father's thumb. His father Roland gave up everything to bring his family to the U.S. from the Philippines, and he expects his son to make the same kind of sacrifice by choosing a career as an MD. But Ben is an aspiring cartoon artist, and he wants to learn animation-an impossible dream in his father's opinion, especially since Ben just won a full pre-med scholarship. When his extended family gathers for sister Rose's birthday party, Ben starts to realize how much family history is repeating itself. His own father's dreams of becoming a singer were mercilessly crushed by Ben's domineering Filipino grandfather, Lolo Carlos. When Ben is challenged by his girlfriend's ex, everyone must deal with the consequences.