Premiering this week, the short film addresses an often overlooked aspect of queer life: how do we balance one’s queer identity with one’s spiritual identity?
Carefully yet joyfully capturing the nuances of love and identity, Muneeb Hassan’s All the Men I Met But Never Dated is set to premiere at the Out South Queer Film Festival in Durham, North Carolina this week.
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin
The film features Emmy-nominated Ahmed Eldin as Ali and Jared Smith as Oliver as they navigate an unfolding same-sex relationship. Eldin, known for his work in journalism and media, brings a gentle and authentic portrayal of a young man caught between two worlds while Hassan’s charming filmmaking drives a love story across both of them. Preview screenings have revealed a standout performance, with Eldin imbued with charm and graceful sense of introspection, drawing from Eldin’s personal experiences and deep understanding of the complexities of identity.
Jared Smith complements him, bringing warmth and sensitivity to the role of Oliver, making their on-screen chemistry palpable and compelling. This is a mature love story that reveals the complicated nature of identity in the most general terms, where the ideas of “straight” and “gay” suddenly become deeply local ideals. When Ali, a closeted Muslim, and Oliver, a free-spirited individual, cross paths, their connection is instantaneous. However, as their relationship blossoms, the complexities of Ali’s dual identity become increasingly apparent, an internal struggle rarely documented in Western media (or any media, for that matter). Torn between the man he loves and the expectations of his family and faith, Ali faces an agonizing choice. The film encapsulates this tension, portraying the struggle of navigating a relationship that defies conventional norms and should reveal to audiences the unique internal challenges that Muslims navigate every day.
Reflecting Hassan’s personal experiences and culture (the director is Pakistani), the narrative is told through a blend of Urdu (with English subtitles) and English, adding a layer of authenticity and depth to the characters’ experiences. It takes audiences into a world that might seem unfamiliar at first, but is ultimately deeply human and remarkably relatable. It is a story that resonates not only within the LGBTQ+ community but also with anyone who has grappled with reconciling conflicting aspects of their identity.
Thanks to its groundbreaking representation of a queer muslim protagonist, the film immediately caught a flurry of festival and award interest after its official announcement earlier this year. In addition to premiering at Out South, the short has been selected for inclusion at the SF Queer Film Fest and Cinema Diverse LGBTQ Palm Springs Film Festival later this year.
All the Men I Met But Never Dated Executive Producer Sampson McCormick brings his gentle, humorous touch to the film while keeping the focus on the emotional essence of the story. McCormick is no stranger to conceptually intriguing films and the stand-up comedian and producer something of a tastemaker having served on the voting committee of the Out on Film Festival in 2020. The film’s narrative challenges viewers to consider the diverse ways love can manifest and the personal sacrifices it can entail. Hassan’s thoughtful direction gives the story a romantic edge while offering an immersive learning experience across cultures.
All the Men I Met But Never Dated is directed by Muneeb Hassan and stars Ahmed Eldin and Jared Smith. The short film will premiere as part of the Men/Gay Drama & Romance Shorts section of the Out South Queer Film Festival on Saturday, August 10th, 2024 at Fletcher Hall, Durham, NC. Tickets available here. A second screening will take place on Monday, August 12th at 9:10pm at Cinema One. Tickets available here.
