In the Shadow of Beirut

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In the Shadow of Beirut

2023

1h 32m

Documentary

History

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Popcornmeter

100%

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9 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT is a searing cinematic portrait of modern-day Lebanon as seen through the eyes of four families living in the impoverished Sabra and Shatila neighborhoods of the city, scene of an infamous massacre in 1982. Filmed over four years with unique access to the families within these largely no-go areas for outsiders, the documentary 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.

Nicolas Rapold

New York Times

Jan 14

The four stories are almost overwhelming to witness all packed together, but the mission to communicate them to a larger audience is admirable.

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

12/17/2023

4/5

Has the emotional heft and political weight to register with receptive audiences. The dedication before the final credits could draw tears from a boulder.

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Dennis Harvey

Variety

12/09/2023

Bleak as this portrait of four families living in desperate straits may be in many respects, the warmth of its human observation and the exceptional imagery make for an engaging experience nonetheless.

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Christopher Campbell

Nonfics (Substack)

Jan 11

What the film lacks in compelling narratives, it makes up for in heavy-handed focus...still, none of it feels especially exploitative.

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Jared Mobarak

Hey, Have You Seen ...?

01/26/2024

7/10

By following four families during the course of five years, the documentary proves a damning indictment on living conditions made increasingly worse with every new law change.

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Hilary A White

Sunday Independent (Ireland)

12/19/2023

5/5

Indelible stories and sensations, then, and wedded with dynamic, intimate camerawork that shows a deep sensitivity for the subject, this is a highlight in an already strong year for Irish docs.

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Stephen Gerard Kelly

Director

Garry Keane

Director

Stephen Gerard Kelly

Self

Brendan J. Byrne

Producer

Celine Haddad

Executive Producer

Siobhan Sinnerton

Executive Producer

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In the Shadow of Beirut: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT is a searing cinematic portrait of modern-day Lebanon as seen through the eyes of four families living in the impoverished Sabra and Shatila neighborhoods of the city, scene of an infamous massacre in 1982. Filmed over four years with unique access to the families within these largely no-go areas for outsiders, the documentary 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.

Director: Stephen Gerard Kelly, Garry Keane
Producer: Brendan J. Byrne
Genre: Documentary, History
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 32m