Dr. Iram Qureshi, who holds several TV series credits, debuts as a film producer and associate director with the revolutionary feature film, “Only Love Matters,” which has already garnered over 30 prestigious awards, including Best Feature, Best Producer, and Best Director. As an academic, researcher, and author, Dr. Qureshi’s unique perspective shines a light on the often unseen intersex community, with her film set to be a historic addition to British cinema.
The film’s narrative, rich with social and psychological layers, delves into the lives of intersex individuals, exploring their personal relationships and the societal barriers they face. It boldly addresses the contentious topic of infant sex reassignment surgeries and the tribulations of child adoption by intersex people, making it not just a film but a beacon of awareness.
During the three-year research phase overseen by distinguished professors from the University of East Anglia, Dr. Kamran Qureshi, alongside his partner, Dr. Iram Qureshi, navigated uncharted cinematic waters to tell this compelling story. With over 40 diverse locations spanning Asia and Europe, the film reflects cultural dichotomies and temporal shifts from the 1970s to the present day.
Inspiration struck Dr. Qureshi through her earlier work on “Muraad,” a TV film about an intersex mother that won the Indus Telefilm Award. This project paved the way for “Only Love Matters,” a feature film endeavor that demanded unparalleled commitment—financial, emotional, and creative.
Despite the taboo surrounding its subject and the financial constraints, with personal sacrifices that included remortgaging their home, Dr. Qureshi’s resilience culminated in a film that challenges conventions and stereotypes. The research involved in-depth interaction with intersex organizations and activists, ensuring authenticity and sensitivity in the portrayal of these often-marginalized lives.
“Only Love Matters” has resonated powerfully within the festival circuit, a testament to its universal appeal and the meticulous care imbued in its creation. The film features Sara Faraj in a groundbreaking role as the intersex character, Sam Davidson, while Kainaaz Pervez playing her older age character, with Emma von Schreiber, Josh Simpson, and Matthew Wright-Kenny delivering compelling performances that anchor the film’s emotional depth.
Under Dr. Kamran Qureshi’s direction, the film weaves a narrative that is both intimate and grandiose, utilizing stunning locations like the Great Indian desert and iconic UK landmarks to underscore its themes. The cinematography, handled with traditional and modern techniques, adds a visceral texture to the storytelling, complemented by a poignant soundtrack that includes original songs by British, Indian and American composers.
The film transcends its Romantic Drama genre, aiming for inclusivity with a 12 age rating from the BBFC UK and subtitles in multiple languages such as Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Spanish and French. Its message is one of equality, justice, and the right to bodily autonomy, advocating against irreversible sex corrective surgeries on infants—a stance supported by the United Nations.
“Only Love Matters” is a clarion call for empathy and understanding, a film that not only entertains but enlightens. With its recent premiere screenings at renowned academic institutions and the BFI London, as well as its inclusion in the Southampton Film Week, the film is poised for a release that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the industry and audiences alike.
These screenings, along with its successful premieres on October 6th in Marbella, Spain, and on October 27th at the BFI London, UK, have paved the way for the film’s anticipated theater and Video on Demand release.
Achieving critical acclaim, “Only Love Matters” has found its way to BBC, and you can see their coverage here:
The film is slated for theater and VOD release, inviting viewers of all ages and backgrounds to engage with a story that is both timely and timeless. As Dr. Qureshi aptly puts it, “Please protect your intersex babies from harmful irreversible surgeries and let them decide about their bodies when they are able to, also no matter what gender or background, treat others with respect.”
For more information on “Only Love Matters,” visit https://onlylovemattersmovie.com/ and join the conversation on social media to engage further with this extraordinary film. You can also find the official trailer for the film on Youtube.
