This beautifully made documentary takes place is what must be the most desolate slum in all of Lebanon, a country itself teetering on the edge of economic and political ruin. In the twin neighbourhoods of Sabra and Shatila, filled with people who are on the fringes of Lebanese society, the film follows four families. In one there is a critically ill little girl who can’t access medical care. In another is a mother who escaped from Syria with her children. Her little boy, Abu Ahmad, only 8-years-old, is working odd jobs just to help the family feed themselves. Another story is of recovering drug addict Aboodi who wants to be better for his newly born son, but faces discrimination for his criminal background and so he can’t get a decent job. And the last family has a father who is concerned about his teenage daughter’s behavior and tries to get her engaged as soon as he can to keep her safe. The film cuts back and forth between all these families trying to survive while outside violence and hardship are a daily way of life.
The filmmakers found some great characters and stories to focus on that in turn illuminated underlying issues of discrimination and prejudice in Lebanese society, along with some pretty sad history surrounding the place. It seems the system is stacked against any of these people ever getting out of this slum or moving up in society. But there is also a quality of hope in all of them and the sense that family is the key to their true happiness. The boy Abu Ahmad is a great character that you are pulling for. And the girl Sanaa, whose father is trying to get her married is also someone who you want to follow forward. By the end, you feel that you have gotten to know these families, and you can’t help but want things to turn out well for them all, even if you know that they probably won’t.
The way this film is shot, it is clear that the filmmakers became a part of this community, gaining the trust of the people, embedding themselves there seamlessly. And that is what makes it so compelling to watch. It was shot over the course of 4 years and the subjects are entirely comfortable with the cameras being there for what are some very real emotional moments. And there are several that are real gut punches. It is also extremely well shot and edited.
In the Shadow of Beirut was executive produced by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton and I hope that helps it get the viewership it deserves. It is the epitome of great documentary storytelling, shining a light on people who no-one would see otherwise and telling their stories with dignity and truth. I highly recommend you see this one!
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