LOS ANGELES, July 26 (UPI) — Muslim director Parvez Sharma says his new documentary “A Jihad for Love,” which premiered at a Los Angeles festival, focuses on the lives of gay Muslims.

Sharma said the film, which aired during last week’s gay and lesbian film festival Outfest, offers a rare insight into the struggles of gay Muslims around the world, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

“I know there is a deep hunger for this film,” said Sharma, who is gay.

“There are vast differences among Muslims on how to deal with homosexuality. For the most part, they choose to ignore it as long as it is kept private.”

The 35-year-old filmmaker shot his debut documentary in countries such as Egypt, India and South Africa.

While the Times said Sharma faced police surveillance and arrest threats in some filming locations, the director said his “biggest struggle” in doing the moview was earning his subjects’ trust.

The movie opens Friday at select Los Angeles theaters.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.