NEWFEST FILM FESTIVAL 2024 REVIEW! Often, movies are made for the masses, i.e., us. But sometimes, a movie is made for the artist as a catharsis. Juan Pablo Di Pace and Andrés Pepe Estrada’s Duino is the story of one such artist.
Duino follows the life of Argentinian filmmaker Matias (Juan Pablo Di Pace). He is working on a movie about his time as a student at the United World College of the Adriatic in Duino, Italy. The production is in trouble as Matias (Mati) insists on numerous reshoots to perfect the scene and is laboring forever in the editing bay.
Meanwhile, we are transported to the past to young Mati’s (Santiago Madrussan) first day at UWC, an international school for up-and-coming student leaders from around the world. Honestly, it reminds me a lot of a theater school. Mati quickly makes friends, especially with the extremely outgoing Alexander (Oscar Morgan). The two become best friends immediately, sharing intimate moments, and Alexander helps Mati break out of his shell.
Mati’s world is shaken when Alexander’s rebellious behavior leads to his expulsion from the school. Mati’s light is dimmed, and he becomes depressed and starts skipping classes. A bright light shines when Christmas approaches, and Alexander’s family invites Mati to spend the holiday with them. During Christmas, Mati begins flirting with Alexander’s sister Kathrine (Julia Bender), but in reality, Mati has feelings for Alexander and acts upon them that night.
The next day, when Mati and Kathrine are walking through the forest together, Alexander shifts into a jealous rage, lashing out against his best friend, Mati. This moment would be the last time Mati and Alexander see one another…until adult Mati receives a mysterious invitation in the mail.

“Mati quickly makes friends, especially with the extremely outgoing Alexander…”
I’ll start by saying that the majority of films with LGBT themes are coming-out stories. Duino is certainly one of those. Thirty years ago, being a gay teen was something you kept under your hat, especially to your family. Mati grew up at a time when his behavior was seen as something that needed to be fixed. Fortunately, Duino does not try to hit you over the head with its message. Duino touches upon this message in a way that appeals more to a broader audience than U.S. productions.
An element that U.S. LGBT films often include is a haven for the queer community, such as a local club or an entire city like San Francisco. In Duino, Mati’s emotions are kept close to the vest—even amongst his new friends who would be open to his identity and even his childhood best friend, Paolo (Tomás Kirzner and Juan Cruz Márquez de la Serna), who deep down knows his secret and protects him.
Regarding the LGBT themes, Duino is very subtle. While young Mati holds back, older Mati gets the opportunity of a lifetime to tell his story in an independent film production with his best friend Paolo at his side. Even during the production of his story, Mati struggles to tell his life story, striving to perfect every beat and emotion. While he fought to find acceptance in the past, Mati fights to get his vision across against a dwindling budget and looming festival deadline. It’s Santiago Madrussan’s understated performance as Mati that carries Duino. Everything that needs to be said about Mati is in his eyes and his body language. You know how Mati feels every moment, and you easily believe that Mati evolves into the person ultimately portrayed by Juan Pablo Di Pace.
Duino is a delicate, heartfelt exploration of identity, artistic passion, and the complexities of human connection. With its quiet yet powerful storytelling, Juan Pablo Di Pace and Andrés Pepe Estrada’s film captures the inner turmoil of coming of age in a world that doesn’t always understand you. It’s a meditative and moving journey, reminding us that self-expression is always worth the struggle, no matter how messy.
Duino screened at the 2024 NewFest Film Festival.