In The Shadow of Beirut is from the team behind GAZA (Sundance 2019)
Press Release: In The Shadow for Beirut Official Trailer
Los Angeles, CA (June, 12 2023). In the Shadow of Beirut is a powerful new feature documentary. It is from the same team that produced Sundance 2019 selection Gaza. It received its World Premiere at the prestigious Doc Edge Festival in New Zealand on June 1st 2023. There In the Shadow of Beirut picked up three awards. The film will continue to be presented at festivals worldwide.
In the Shadow of Beirut is a searing, cinematic portrait of modern-day Lebanon. The narrative is as seen through the eyes of four families. They are living in the impoverished Sabra and Shatila neighbourhoods of the city scene of an infamous massacre in 1982. Executive Producers include Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton and Siobhan Sinnerton for Global Studio HiddenLight.
In the Shadow of Beirut is filmed over four years with unique access to the families. The families live within these largely no-go areas for outsiders. It is co-directed by Stephen Gerard Kelly (debut film) and Garry Keane (Gaza, 2019). In the Shadow of Beirut is marked by a deep intimacy with its subjects and a bold cinematic style. With much of its visual and character-led storytelling sharing creative DNA with the team’s earlier film, Gaza. Stephen Gerard Kelly built up his relationship with the families at the centre of the film over a 6-year period.
The Official Trailer for In The Shadow of Beirut
The film follows its protagonists through the pandemic and the deteriorating economic crisis engulfing the country daily. The storied neighborhood has a tough history and challenging living condition. The struggles of the film’s central protagonists began long before the deadly 2020 port explosion. The explosion that rocked the city in which they were born.
The film is produced by Brendan J Byrne of Cyprus Avenue Films (UK). Also by Myriam Sassine of Abbout Productions (Lebanon). Christian Beetz of Gebrueder Beetz Filmproduktion (Germany), and Alison Toomey of Real Films (Ireland).
Commenting on her becoming involved with the film Myriam Sassine of Abbout Productions, Lebanon explains. “I was approached by a team of Irish filmmakers. Who had a throve of powerful footage from the neighborhoods of Sabra and Shatila. Some of the toughest parts of Beirut, and invited to become a producer on this film. I remain deeply impressed and genuinely moved by how the filmmakers approached and filmed people with both sensitivity and respect.
The film captures the stark realities of poverty faced by families every day. Highlighting the humanity and kindness and how people continue to live, love and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. The filmmakers’ dedication to immersing themselves in the community is evident throughout the film. The deep connection to the families shines through in every frame. This film is a must watch for anyone. Especially, those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the human cost of the ongoing multifaceted crisis. A powerful window in a rarely seen world, even by Lebanese people living in Lebanon.”
Siobhan Sinnerton, SVP Unscripted, HiddenLight Productions, says. “In the Shadow of Beirut is a powerful story of resilience and hope in the face of hardship and uncertainty. It has been many years in the making. We are incredibly proud to be helping to bring this important film to the screen.
Additional Details
Co-Director Stephen Gerard Kelly adds: “Spending years with people in Sabra and Shatila has been enriching and humbling. Over 30,000 people live in an urban slum of one square kilometer. Despite its reputation for paramilitary groups, criminal activity and drugs – most people are hardworking, honest and genuine. Among these narrow, dark alleys, people are constantly forced to make incredibly tough decisions. These are created by decades of political corruption and manipulative sectarianism. But, against all these odds, there is hope and immense pride. Which this film aims to elevate at the same time. Showing the quiet heroism of people who allowed me into their lives.”
In the Shadow of Beirut World Premieres Thursday June 1st at The Capitol Cinema, Auckland, New Zealand. Further confirmed festivals include Docs Ireland (Belfast) in June and the Galway Film Fleadh (July).
About Abbout productions
Abbout founder are filmmakers Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige in 1998. Abbout Productions has since become a prominent player in the Lebanese film industry. We commit to support and promote works of emerging and established filmmakers from Lebanon, and the Arab region. Abbout Productions involves in the production of numerous critically acclaimed and award-winning films. Which have gained recognition both nationally and internationally.
Their films often tackle social, cultural, and political themes. They provide a unique perspective on contemporary issues and reflecting the diverse voices of the region. These are among their most famous films. I Want to See (2008), and Memory Box (2021) by Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige. Costa Brava, Lebanon by Mounia Akl (2021). 1982 by Oualid Mouaness (2019). The Valley by Ghassan Salhab (2015). Amal by Mohamed Siam (2017), and Panoptic by Rana Eid (2017). Abbout Productions is active in organizing film festivals, workshops, and other cultural events. Further contributing to the development and growth of the Lebanese film industry.
About HiddenLight
HiddenLight Productions is a global studio. It creates premium documentary, unscripted and scripted entertainment. These for TV, film and digital. That celebrates the best of the human spirit and helps audiences see the world in new ways. Founded by former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sam Branson and Chelsea Clinton, the company launched in December 2020. Its first project was the YouTube Originals series If I Could Tell You Just One Thing.
Gutsy Women, a straight-to-series order for Apple TV+ inspired by the best-selling book. The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience by Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton. The book is debuts on 9 September. Following the launch of its new popular factual label HLP Studios. The company commission is to make Inside the Superbrands, an 8-part series for Channel 4. In scripted, the company has announced the acquisition of the series adaptation rights of two best-selling author’s books. Gayle Tzemach Lemmon’s The Daughters of Kobani; and the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear.
CEO Johnny Webb, COO Claire Featherstone and Executive Chair Roma Khanna lead HiddenLight. It is based in London, New York and LA.
About Cyprus Avenue Film
Cyprus Avenue Films is by filmmaker Brendan J Byrne. Recent projects are That They May Face The Rising Sun (Director Pat Collins). Gaza (Sundance 2019), and My Name is Bulger (Discovery +), and Ryan McMullan: Debut. Both released in the summer of 2021. Other notable projects include the acclaimed feature documentary BOBBY SANDS: 66 DAYS (BBC Storyville), described by Indiewire as ‘a work of art” and narrative fiction films JUMP! (TIFF 2012) and MAZE (Netflix).
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