All the Men I Met but Never Dated

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 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.

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.

Saw this film at Cinema Diverse LGBTQ Festival. Great film. This film is so good, i related to it so much, it deals with the real issues of being gay, and portrays it clearly. It shows the emotional side, the time of self-confusion, self-conflict and the time of questioning who you really are.

Two men in their mid 30s developing feelings for each other. Everything is romantic until the reality hits!

It felt based on a true story but how do I know! Great cinematography and editing. Acting was good. Tightly written story and script.

I like it. The ending scene (which I obviously wont say what happens) is amazing, it really is the way the film should end in my eyes, and it made me feel good.

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!