All the Men I Met but Never Dated

All the Men I Met but Never Dated isn't just a film-it's an intimate journey of self-discovery that feels like it's unfolding right in front of you. It pulls you into a world where internal conflict and love quietly simmer beneath the surface, in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

This film tells the story of a man who navigates love, identity, and family while remaining in the closet. What sets All the Men I Met but Never Dated apart is how it portrays this journey without sensationalism or melodrama. It's about the small, silent moments of longing, connection, and regret-the ones that can only be understood by someone who lives with the choice of staying closeted.

The relationships in this film are subtle yet profound. The connection between the main character and the men who enter his life is handled with a tenderness that rarely makes it to the screen. The way the story unfolds feels natural, almost like we are eavesdropping on someone's private life. It doesn't feel scripted or forced, and that's where the film truly shines.

What stands out most is how the protagonist grapples with his love for his family while trying to reconcile it with who he really is. It's an experience that people of color and those from conservative backgrounds, especially in the Middle East and South Asia, will deeply understand. The film beautifully illustrates that for some, staying in the closet isn't about fear or shame, but about love-about not wanting to lose the ones who matter most.

The performances are quietly powerful. The main actor delivers such a raw, understated portrayal of a man torn between his desires and his responsibilities that you forget you're watching a performance. The emotion he conveys through silence, through the smallest gestures, will resonate long after the credits roll.

The film isn't your typical LGBTQ love story filled with grand obstacles or conflicts. Instead, it's a meditation on love-both romantic and familial-and the sacrifices we make to hold on to both. It's a film that celebrates the complexity of love, and by the end, you'll be left with a heavy heart, reflecting on the struggles many face in silence. It's quietly heartbreaking, yet also undeniably beautiful.

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.

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.

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!

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!