“In the Shadow of Beirut” is an Irish, Lebanese-German documentary in the running for the 2024 Oscars, co-directed by Garry Keane and Stephen Gerard Kelly. The documentary, selected to represent Ireland in the Best International Feature Film category, was also presented in the MENA region at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah. Produced by Brendan Byrne, “In the Shadow of Beirut” is notable for its beautiful cinematography and its respectful and empathetic treatment of its subjects. The film was financed partly by Hidden Light Productions, founded by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, although their role was limited to post-production.
Stephen Gerard Kelly, who spent five years in Lebanon starting in 2015, was inspired by his friendship with several families from Sabra, Beirut, and the Shatila refugee camp, to make this documentary. Although he did not initially plan to make a film, his experiences led him to document daily life in these communities. “In the Shadow of Beirut” follows four families in Sabra and Chatila in 2018. The film tells the daily struggles and hopes of these marginalized families, without falling into the pitfall of “poverty porn” which was one of the main critics for Nadine Labaki's film “Capharnaum”.
Focus on the four families, already in difficulty in 2018, and who find themselves facing even more precarious conditions following the economic and financial collapse of Lebanon in 2019:
The documentary begins with images of Abou Ahmad Abid, a young boy from Shatila, a district of Beirut, who picks up trash in the street. His family, made up of his mother Fatima, a widow, and his brothers, fled Syria for Lebanon. Everyone works to support themselves, but Fatima regrets not being able to provide an education to her children, especially Abou Ahmad.
In Sabra, another district of Beirut, Ayman Koujeyje runs a store with his family. Ayman, of Lebanese nationality but of Syrian origin, lives with constant concern for the future of his daughters, in particular Sanaa, 13, whom he protects from external influences. Despite her desire for freedom, Sanaa accepts a marriage proposed by a young man, following the decision of her parents.
Abou Turki Daher and his family, belonging to the Dom community of Lebanon, face daily challenges, centered around their daughter Sariya, who suffers from a severe skin disease.
Abboudi Ziani, after two stays in prison, struggles to find stable employment and to raise his son Ali. His criminal history and subsequent addiction complicate his situation.