Co-directed by Stephen Gerard Kelly and Garry Keane, In The Shadow Of Beirut is a documentary that provides a glimpse into the lives of four families residing in modern-day Lebanon, specifically on the outskirts of Beirut's communities of Sabra and Shatila. Filmmaker, Kelly lived among the film's protagonists for five years, gaining unique access to their daily lives. The story is told primarily in Arabic.

The film was edited by Iseult Howlett, produced by Brendan J. Byrne and Myriam Sassine and had Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton and Siobhan Sinnerton of HiddenLight Productions as executive producers.

The documentary is the most recent Irish-made film not in the English language selected by IFTA to represent Ireland. Last year, the Irish-language feature The Quiet Girl (An Cailín Ciúin) was selected and went on to become the first Irish language film to earn an Oscar nomination.

When speaking about the selection, Kelly stated: “This recognition from Ireland is an immense honour for me personally, and my co-directing partner Garry Keane. More importantly, this recognition will continue to keep Lebanon in peoples’ minds and hearts, particularly the people in the film, whom I care deeply about.”

Producer Brendan J. Byrne added, “It’s a great honour to secure this coveted recognition from Ireland as the Oscar selection for best international feature. We’re very proud of this film and the people and stories that it brings to the screen.”