Juan Pablo Di Pace and Oscar Morgan Reflect on the “Painful and Wonderful” Memories of First Love in ‘Before We Forget’

The new feature film “Before We Forget,” co-directed by Juan Pablo Di Pace and Andrés Pepe Estrada, brings to the screen a deeply personal coming-of-age story rooted in the complexities of queer memory, first love, and the search for self-acceptance. Released in the U.S. this July, the film stars Di Pace, Oscar Morgan, and August Wittgenstein, and is executive produced by the late Norman Lear, infusing the project with both gravitas and cultural legacy .

Inspired by events from Di Pace’s own life, “Before We Forget” centers on Matias, an Argentine filmmaker wrestling with the ending of his autobiographical movie—a story that mirrors his own unresolved first love. The film alternates between the late 1990s, as teenage Matias (portrayed by Santiago Madrussan) attends an international school in Italy and forms a profound bond with Swedish student Alexander (Oscar Morgan), and the present day, where the adult Matias (Di Pace) confronts the memories and emotions that have shaped him .

While their friendship is intense and intimate, the relationship remains platonic, clouded by unspoken feelings and the fear of rejection—a familiar experience for many LGBTQ+ youth navigating first love in uncertain environments. When Alexander is unexpectedly expelled from school, Matias is left reeling, his emotions unresolved for decades. The narrative’s second timeline sees Matias invited to a family wedding in adulthood, where he is confronted by the possibility of reconnection and closure .

For Di Pace and Morgan, the film’s exploration of first love’s “painful and wonderful” duality resonates both professionally and personally. In interviews, Di Pace has described the process of revisiting his own formative experiences as “bittersweet”—a journey of confronting unresolved longing and the transformative power of memory. “There’s a universality to first love,” Di Pace explained, “but for queer people, it can be especially layered—marked by secrecy, fear, and often, a sense of loss. Yet there’s also beauty in that vulnerability and the courage it takes to remember” .

Morgan, for whom this marks a major film role, echoed the sentiment: “So many of us look back on those first feelings with both nostalgia and pain. Telling that story with honesty, especially from a queer perspective, is rare—and so important. We wanted to honor how complicated, and ultimately human, those memories are” .

“Before We Forget” has already garnered attention on the global film festival circuit, praised for its sensitive direction and nuanced performances. The film’s arrival in mainstream theaters this month marks a significant moment not only for its creators but for representation in LGBTQ+ cinema. Executive producer Norman Lear’s involvement prior to his passing further underscores the film’s cultural significance and commitment to authentic storytelling .

The cast includes Araceli González, Marta Beatriz Maineri, Tomás Kirzner, and others, contributing to a richly textured ensemble that brings the story’s emotional landscapes to life .

As “Before We Forget” opens in New York City and Los Angeles, its themes of love, loss, and self-discovery strike a chord with audiences seeking more inclusive and honest representations of queer experience. The film’s dual timelines and reflective tone invite viewers—regardless of identity—to consider the lasting imprint of their own first loves, and the ways in which memory can heal, haunt, or inspire.

For LGBTQ+ audiences, the film offers both validation and visibility, reminding viewers that the complexities of queer love stories are worthy of reverence and cinematic exploration. As Di Pace and Morgan continue to share their journey with the world, “Before We Forget” stands as a testament to the enduring impact of first love—painful, wonderful, and unforgettable .