A young filmmaker from the Philippines is making her mark in Hollywood just months after graduating from Los Angeles City College (LACC).
Debbie Su, 28, of Cagayan de Oro, earned her Certificate in Cinema Production after studying information design at Ateneo de Manila University. She worked as a graphic designer to save up for her enrollment at LACC, which is located near the heart of Hollywood’s creative industry.
“I’ve always wanted to be in film,” Su said. “When I went to LACC, I realized you can’t just write and let somebody else handle the rest. To be really part of a film, you have to do so much more than just write.”
Through LACC, Su gained experience as a production assistant for Film Independent and was included in the pool of talent for the Disney Production Assistant Initiative. She also received a grant from the Golden Globe Foundation to enhance her film “RIP in Peace,” a 13-minute dark comedy about grief.
The film has since been nominated for Best First Time Female Filmmaker and Best Dark Comedy at the Indie Short Fest 2025 and received an honorable mention at the Hollywood Shortsfest 2025.
Another short film, “America is Amazing, Mom,” won Best Cinematography at the Dreamanila International Film Festival 2024.
Today, Su is working alongside David Zucker, a legendary figure in spoof comedy known for landmark films like “Airplane!” and “The Naked Gun.”
What began as an internship has turned into a key role on Zucker’s team for his new learning platform, MasterCrash. The platform offers a masterclass on writing, directing and editing spoof films.
“Debbie is a crucial member of our MasterCrash team,” Zucker said. “She has a knack for production and direction and doesn’t settle for less than excellent.”
He said Su is a crucial part of the leadership team and he looks forward to working with her on his new film, “Star of Malta.”
Simultaneously, Su is producing and directing a web series called “Enmeshed.” The pilot episode features actress Kim Rhodes from “Suite Life of Zach & Cody” and “Supernatural.”
For Su, her journey is a dream realized.
“I’ve been telling people that my ultimate dream is to win an Oscar for something that I made that has a proper representation of Filipinos,” she said.
“But I’m also an artist who really just loves being part of the creation of things. So if I can just keep creating beautiful things that matter and not have to worry about money, I’ll be happy.” (PR)
