HiddenLight Productions, helmed by executive producers Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, and Siobhan Sinnerton, has released the first trailer for their documentary “In the Shadow of Beirut.”
This compelling film cinematic portrays modern-day Lebanon, focusing on the lives of four families residing in the city’s impoverished Sabra and Shatila neighborhoods.
The infamous 1982 massacre tragically marked these areas.
Over four years, the documentary was filmed, granting unparalleled access to the families despite the restrictions imposed on these communities.
The film is co-directed by Stephen Gerard Kelly, in his directorial debut, and Garry Keane, renowned for his work on the Sundance-selected documentary “Gaza” (2019). Kelly established a profound connection with the families over six years.
Belfast-based Cyprus Avenue Films, recognized for their documentaries “Gaza” and “Bobby Sands: 66 Days,” takes the lead as the production company.
Collaborating with them are Abbout Productions from Beirut (“Costa Brava, Lebanon”), Real Films based in Ireland (“Gaza”), and Gebrueder Beetz Film production located in Berlin (“The Cleaners”).
Myriam Sassine, Christian Beetz, and Alison Toomey are notable co-producers involved in the project.
The documentary debuted at the Doc Edge Festival in New Zealand, receiving multiple accolades.
Director Stephen Gerard Kelly expressed his gratitude, stating that witnessing audiences’ warm and compassionate response towards the film’s subjects, whom they had never met, was the ultimate triumph.
The documentary earned three awards at the festival, including the highly esteemed Best International Feature Film award, further underscoring its impact and emotional resonance.
Director Stephen Gerard Kelly expressed his pride in the team that brought the documentary to fruition.
However, he emphasized that the accomplishment lies in the invaluable contribution of the people from the Sabra and Shatila neighborhoods over six years.
They generously shared their experiences, knowledge, and heartfelt stories, allowing the film to come to life. Kelly hopes that the documentary serves as a tribute to their courage, kindness, and generosity in the face of immense adversity.
The recognition received for the film is seen as a profound honor, mainly because it resonated deeply with the indigenous Maori community, fostering meaningful connections on various levels. Through these connections, Kelly recognized the shared responsibility of storytellers to listen, seek the truth, and honor the narratives of the people whose stories they tell.
