Filmmaker Hopes to Reunite Gay Binational Couple After 33 Years
Here's a kickstarter campaign for a documentary/love story with an interesting premise — to reunite a binational couple:
"I Am the Water, You Are the Sea tells the true story of two lovers: Alex, an American Peace Corps volunteer; and Ali, an Iranian Muslim. The two have been separated for more than 33 years. In 1967, while Alex was working with the Peace Corps in Iran, the two met, fell in love, and kept their relationship secret for 10 years. With political unrest escalating, and the Iranian revolution fast approaching, Alex was forced to leave Iran – and Ali – in 1977. The two haven’t seen each other since."
The film would document their reunion as well as tell their story via a feature film. More here.
Watch the kickstarter teaser, AFTER THE JUMP...
Ok, but if Ali is still in Iran doesn't this kind of expose him and put him in danger?
Posted by: Bravo | Jun 1, 2011 7:25:19 PM
This could have some very bad results. It could be very sweet and touching, but if they haven't done their homework it could be bad news for one or both of these guys.
I hope it works out however whomever is behind it hopes it will turn out.
Posted by: CaptKirkis80 | Jun 1, 2011 7:32:44 PM
Um, how does 'Ali feel about this?
Posted by: Andalusian Dog | Jun 1, 2011 7:33:23 PM
no, Bravo. that wouldn't be a problem. but my question here is why did they stay seperated for so long in the first place?
Posted by: Farbud | Jun 1, 2011 8:00:05 PM
I hope this whole story has already been written and filmed and they know there is a happy ending before releasing this "teaser". Otherwise it could put Ali in very serious danger if he still lives in Iran.
Posted by: TampaZeke | Jun 1, 2011 8:00:29 PM
The meeting is planned to take place in a neutral country, so as to protect everyone involved.
Posted by: driouxcipher | Jun 1, 2011 8:21:25 PM
eh, i understand what they're trying to do here (at least i think i do) but i think the whole concept is just weird. I mean the time they've been separated is 3 times longer than the time they were ever together. They're both totally different people now. i guess it could be a happy ending after all but i think the odds are stacked against that.
Posted by: Rob | Jun 1, 2011 8:31:08 PM
They've been writing love letters to each other for the last 30 years, the content of which was one of the things that led the filmmakers to the idea of reuniting them.
Posted by: driouxcipher | Jun 1, 2011 8:48:27 PM
Hi there - glad to see the discussion already of the film! I'm Malachi, the film's producer and director, and here are a couple of points:
- "Alex" and "Ali" are not the individuals' real names, so as to protect (primarily) Ali.
- Alex and Ali have been in communication for decades, and want this more than anything!
- They both are aware of the risks and rewards of making this reunion happen. We wouldn't be doing this project if they didn't want this, and were the ones making it happen themselves.
- As to the comment, "They're totally different people now." When they talk on the phone, the flame is still very much alive between them, and they tell each other they sound just like they did when they were together in Iran. Still very much in love. Still very much soul mates.
- To the question, "Why now? Why not before?" It's still dangerous now, but not nearly so the first decade+ after the revolution. That and Ali worked several jobs to support his nieces and nephews when his brothers died. He supported them until they went to college, and has continued to help as he can as they've grown. It was also very difficult to communicate before, by phone or regular mail, and electronic communication is, of course, out of the question for obvious reasons. But they now are at a place where they don't want to wait any longer, and are going for it.
Hope this helps! And thanks again for checking this out - please share with friends =)
Posted by: Malachi Leopold | Jun 1, 2011 8:53:21 PM
Wait! There's a gay person in Iran?
Posted by: Jon | Jun 1, 2011 9:14:54 PM
amazing how quickly people judge without looking into the whole story. some would say it's jealousy at having lived a life without finding a bond so strong...
Posted by: denison | Jun 1, 2011 9:20:28 PM
I had a similar story myself, but we were only apart for 5 years. Despite talking to each other every day, evolving with each other, learning from each other, when we got back together? It was different. It wasn't the same. I have no regrets. Hopefully these two won't either.
Posted by: Robert | Jun 1, 2011 9:42:07 PM
As one half of a binational couple this story is very close to my heart. The problem is unless DOMA is repealed and/or the Uniting American Families Act is passsed there is no way Ali will be allowed to live in the US.
Posted by: FAEN | Jun 1, 2011 9:53:48 PM
however you spin the story, it is very touching.
sweeeeet.
Posted by: bostonbeat | Jun 1, 2011 9:59:26 PM
I am one half of a binational couple myself, forced to live apart to abide by these horribly unconstitutional, if not clearly unethical US laws.
So, I am looking forward to this documentary becoming a reality very much. All the best of luck to the couple! May they be reunited and never be torn apart again! It is the right thing to do.
(In related news, I just found this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmKv2ODFlvQ ... love, sweet love!)
Posted by: El | Jun 1, 2011 10:33:27 PM
Wow, this story really caught my eye. I live in New York with my 5-year old son, who is half-Persian, but eight years ago my beloved partner passed too soon. He was born in 1967 in Tehran and spent the first 14 years of his life there, until shortly after the revolution.
My best wishes to these two.
Posted by: Patric | Jun 1, 2011 11:34:37 PM
What a wonderful project! I've pledged my part as much as I am financially able to. I hope it reaches its funding goal as not only will it make for great cinema, but there is the amazing bonus of potentially reuniting two people who, changed or not, have the fascinating bond of history. Spread the word! Their goal isn't that high! Thanks for sharing at Towleroad! These posts are very much appreciated next to the superficial bile written about stupid Eurodance pop tarts.
Posted by: AlexN | Jun 1, 2011 11:47:15 PM
sounds like something i'd like to see. sweet story.
on a shallow note, "ali" was HAWT.
Posted by: larson | Jun 2, 2011 4:59:21 AM
My college lover and I were forced apart in 1989 because he had to return to his home country, and marriage wasn't an option...
Posted by: Andy Niable | Jun 2, 2011 7:48:49 AM
A story whose time has come. I'm wondering what that pressure was like on Ali to marry? Did he? Also wondering if they sent photos to each other throughout the years. I wonder if I saw my foreign born love all these years later, how would we feel towards each other? I'd see this film.
Posted by: kodiak | Jun 2, 2011 9:54:14 AM
This support and discussion is so exciting for us! Thanks, everyone. And a special thank you to those who have contributed to the project. Please continue to share with your friends; in 24 hours, we've raised $1700 - let's keep that momentum going!
Kodiak, in response to your question, neither Alex or Ali ever married, nor have any children. And yes, they have shared photos over the years in addition to letters, emails and phone calls. (In the trailer for the film, the phone conversation we see Alex having is with Ali.)
Thanks again for the support, all.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/malachileopold/i-am-the-water-you-are-the-sea/backers
Posted by: LEFT BRAIN RIGHT BRIAN PRODUCTIONS | Jun 2, 2011 10:15:41 AM
Thank God Mr. Leopold piped in and answered all the people on this thread who think (wrongfully) that they know all the facts and jump to judge. Why not wait to see the movie and get the facts before making incorrect assumptions? Jeeze. People. Why not revel in the love of the story. Go kiss your lover (if you have one) and plan to see the movie together. I bet you'll have great sex afterward.
Posted by: noteasilyoffended | Jun 2, 2011 11:29:34 AM
Here's a positive possibilty: Canadian Immigration might very well view Ali's case favourably, should he choose to apply for permanant residence, perhaps even for refugee status. In Canada he would find all manner of support systems including basic government assistance for immigrants, even better assistance for refugees, & a large (& generaly affluent) Iranian ex-pat community, right across the country. As well, he would find a society traditionally welcoming & supportive of new immigrants - gay or otherwise. And he would be a lot closer to Alex, geographically speaking, making travel between them much easier. Oh, & let's not forget the fact that they could enjoy all the benefits of a legally sanctioned marriage. Just a thought.
Posted by: Leroy Laflamme | Jun 2, 2011 12:15:10 PM
Awesome! Kickstarter is incredible and I have no doubt your film will get funded. Thanks Andy for featuring this and getting the story out to a wider audience.
Much luck and love!
Posted by: rob | Jun 2, 2011 12:23:05 PM
Unfortunately, when the yankees, Hector and carter barak brother appeared,hey dress looks more like bollywood movie star more than the annual trade union federation of British convener.The adb family quickly completed all new overseas investors will do: fire coach, make a shopping list.
Posted by: NFL shop | Sep 20, 2011 10:21:45 PM