All the Men I Met but Never Dated

Before I watched All the Men I Met But Never Dated, I really didn't have much of a clue about what life is like for closeted gay men. Honestly, I used to think staying in the closet was just about being trapped or oppressed-that's what some of the orthodox views I grew up with had me believing. But as time went on, I realized that you can't really understand something until you truly see it for what it is. The truth isn't what everyone says it is; it's something you have to explore and learn for yourself.

This film opened my eyes. It gave me a glimpse into the reality of these men's lives-the pure love they can feel, the silent struggles they endure, and the tough choices they make because of family or societal pressures. Even though my own life is nothing like Ali's, the main character, I found myself feeling so much empathy for him. The emotions he deals with-the longing, the fear, the hope-are all part of being human, and they hit you in a way that's hard to shake off.

There was one line that really got to me. It's when Ali talks about why he stays in the closet, and it hit me how not every choice is black and white. Sometimes, people make these decisions out of love or a need to protect themselves, not because they're ashamed. All the Men I Met But Never Dated isn't just about telling a story-it's about making you see things from another perspective and respecting choices that might seem complicated from the outside.

I have been coming to the Woodstock Film Festival for years, and "All the Men" hit me in a way I didn't see coming. At 60, I've seen plenty of films about love and struggle, but this one had a raw honesty that cut deep. It told the story of a closeted gay Muslim man with such grace and truth, capturing the push and pull between identity and duty in a way that felt universal.

The cinematography was beautifully restrained, and every scene lingered just enough to make you feel the weight of his choices. This film isn't loud or flashy, but it leaves a mark. It's a reminder that some battles are fought quietly, and some love stories are told best in whispers. Woodstock couldn't have picked a better film to make us all stop, think, and feel.

All the Men I Met but Never Dated shines a different light on living as a queer individual. It shows the many relationships one has to navigate. I have had to navigate these myself and with guys I have dated.

This story was very relatable to me having lived in New York City, it touches on the dynamics of navigating so many levels of diversity and creates a level of understanding on the choices queer people have to make.

I especially enjoyed the final scene! All in all this film is wonderful and I look forward to seeing more from the director and everyone involved in the future.

Be sure to check it out, Peace!

This short film really caught me off guard-it's one of those rare ones where you forget you're watching a movie. It feels like you're seeing real people, living real moments, and it's so genuine that it almost feels like a dream.

The writing is incredibly on point, and the way the characters develop is so natural, like you've known them your whole life. It pulls you into this world where anything feels possible, yet it still has this surreal quality, blurring the line between reality and imagination. It's like watching life, but from a different angle.

I have to say, I was really surprised to see this short film hasn't been picked up by many LGBTQ festivals, but it's thriving in non-LGBTQ ones. The reason seems pretty obvious though-All the Men I Met but Never Dated deals with closeted men, and the LGBTQ community often distances itself from that topic. The film isn't afraid to show that some men choose to stay closeted, and that's something that's not always embraced in the community.

And can we talk about Ahmed? He's such a beautiful guy and just perfect in this role. He's one of a kind, and he makes the whole story come to life.

If you get the chance to watch All the Men I Met but Never Dated, I hope it hits you like it did me. It's one of those short films that really sticks with you, long after the credits roll. END Credits is the best thing!

It is a rare treasure. A quiet, reflective journey. One of those films that takes you inward-through emotions, memories, and unspoken thoughts. A film about love, identity, family, and the spaces between. It whispers truths about what it means to be closeted, to navigate a life shaped by duty and desire, and to find beauty in the in-between moments. All of it feels familiar, yet everything remains... extraordinary.

The story feels deeply personal, like a letter written just for you. The performances are breathtaking. Ahmed Eldin brings such raw, vulnerable depth to Ali's character, while Jared P-Smith captures the delicate, tender conflict of Oliver. The chemistry between them carries the film, giving it a heartbeat that stays with you.

A film to be cherished. For its honesty. For its gentleness. For its ability to make the smallest gestures feel monumental. Scene by scene, it feels timeless, like a story from another era but told with the wisdom of today. All the Men I Met But Never Dated is not just a film-it's an experience. And a necessary one.