M. H. Murray’s debut film I Don’t Know Who You Are beautifully depicts the struggle to find the courage to move forward after trauma. As viewers, we are immersed into the world of Benjamin (Mark Clennon), an openly-gay Toronto-based artist and musician, as he grapples to find cash to pay for HIV-preventive treatments after being sexually assaulted on his walk home from a party. Fiercely independent, Ben tries to find the balance between allowing emotional and financial support from his friends, and frantically finding ways to deal with the situation himself within the allotted 48-hour timeframe that determines whether the drugs will actually work.
This detailed piece of queer literature becomes increasingly filled with panic and desperation as our protagonist battles with the societal scrutiny. He has low income, is lacking access to proper health care, and there’s the ultimate disgrace surrounding being HIV positive. The story builds throughout the film, pulling the viewer further and further into fighting for what feels like a fleeting hope that all will work out for the best. It is a love letter to the strength, hope, and determination to find the power to fight for one’s self, even when it seems like the rest of the world is out to diminish you. This is most definitely a film that you will not want to miss.
- Genre: Drama
- Release Date: 9/7/2023
- Directed by: M. H. Murray
- Starring: Anthony Diaz, Deragh Campbell, Kevin A Courtney, Mark Clennon, Michael Hogan, Nat Patricia Manuel, Victoria Long
- Written by: M. H. Murray
- Studio: Black Elephant Productions
