7PM Thursday 3 April, National Film and Sound Archive Canberra
Tickets https://queerscreen.org.au/sessions/duino-3/
Enter discount code STUNDuino for $17 tickets to Duino at Mardi Gras Film Festival.
Aficionados of queer film and popular culture over the past decade would, and if not must hurry up and should, have heard of Juan Pablo di Pace. The gay Argentine actor has raised his profile among Western audiences perhaps best-known for starring as Kimmy Gibbler’s ex-husband in Fuller House, and in numerous romantic gay movies.
However, Duino, which he stars, co-wrote and directs in, is far from a comedic exercise. It is a coming-of-age film which examines first loves, regrets yet also celebrates those magical moments in your life.
Santiago Madrussan stars as a youthful Argentine called Matias who arrives at the United World College of the Adriatic, as a dancer and avid photographer on full scholarship. On his first day, he meets the well to do Alexander (Oscar Morgan), an adorable, larger than life Swede-Englishman who is someone you need in every friendship group. Matias and Alexander quicky become two peas in a pod, with each one bringing the best out in each other. It is clear from the outset the pair are much more than friends.
Fast forward into the future, with an adult Matias (Juan Pablo) now a film writer and director, whose latest project is about himself. To those who love all things meta, it’s a film within a film, however the emotions of past and present are intrinsically weaved throughout.
I heart Juan Pablo, in whatever he starts in, so my objectivity is certainly questionable here. In saying that, his performance is gentle and thoughtful in the film, and most of all relatable to many of us.
Should you see Duino? Of course you should. Is Juan Pablo a drawcard? That goes without saying.
Duino is playing at the National Sound and Film Archive as part of the Mardi Gras Film Festival 2025.
Reviewed by Ali Khan
