Tina Gharavi’s intimate new drama, Shadows of Beirut, starring Tala Calil, Assaad Bouab and Flavia Bechara, is set to arrive in UK cinemas on 25 September 2026.
Exploring identity, family, trauma and the complicated meaning of home, Shadows of Beirut tells the deeply personal story of a woman returning to a city — and a past — she has spent decades trying to leave behind.
Inspired by the experiences of writer, producer and lead actor Tala Calil, the new film marks an emotional exploration of reconciliation, memory and belonging, set against the vibrant and resilient backdrop of Beirut.
What is Shadows of Beirut about?
After spending 25 years away from Beirut, a young woman returns to the city to visit her dying father, whom she has not seen since childhood.
Her return forces her to confront painful memories, unresolved family wounds and the emotional weight of a past she has spent years avoiding.
As she reconnects with the people and places that shaped her childhood, the journey becomes more than simply a return home. Instead, she finds herself navigating questions surrounding grief, resentment, forgiveness and identity.
Set within the changing landscape of Beirut, Shadows of Beirut follows one woman’s attempt to better understand her family history — and, ultimately, herself.
The 90-minute drama also explores themes of trauma and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while examining the complexity of human relationships and whether genuine healing can come through understanding, compassion and reconciliation.
Tala Calil stars alongside Assaad Bouab and Flavia Bechara
Shadows of Beirut stars writer Tala Calil in the lead role of Lana, alongside Assaad Bouab, known to many viewers for his work in the hit series Bad Sisters, and Flavia Bechara.
Calil’s screenplay draws inspiration from her own experiences, making the project an especially personal one.
Speaking about the origins of the film, Calil explained that Shadows of Beirut was inspired by her own complicated relationship with her past, family and identity.
What began as a screenplay eventually became a cathartic creative journey, with the writer also producing the film and taking on the central role.
At its heart, the story asks audiences to consider whether healing comes from understanding the people around us — or from learning to show greater compassion towards ourselves.
Director Tina Gharavi on bringing Shadows of Beirut to the screen
The film is directed by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Tina Gharavi, whose work across film, television and documentary has frequently explored questions of identity, culture and belonging.
Gharavi’s debut feature, I Am Nasrine, received a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding Debut, while her directing credits include The Tunnel, Ackley Bridge and Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra.
The director said the film was made during the challenges of the lockdown period, with production taking place across Beirut and Bulgaria.
For Gharavi, the story’s exploration of separation and connection became particularly meaningful during a time when people around the world were questioning what it meant to remain connected to the people and places they loved.
She also described Tala Calil’s story as one filled with “love, contradiction and complexity”, adding that the film ultimately explores the idea that neither people nor places can ever be reduced to just one thing.
A story about Beirut, belonging and reconciliation
While Shadows of Beirut follows an intensely personal story, the city itself plays a central role in the film.
As Lana moves through Beirut and encounters people from both her past and present, the city becomes a reflection of her own emotional journey.
It is at once familiar and challenging, offering comfort while also forcing her to confront memories she would rather leave behind.
The result is a drama that explores not only one woman’s attempt to reconnect with her family but also the enduring relationship people can have with the places they once called home.
With themes of forgiveness, estrangement and personal identity at its centre, Shadows of Beirut is shaping up to be an emotional and thought-provoking addition to this autumn’s UK cinema releases.
When is Shadows of Beirut released in the UK?
Shadows of Beirut will be released in UK cinemas on 25 September 2026.
The film has a runtime of 90 minutes, with certification currently listed as TBC.
It will be distributed by BUFF Studios, the distribution and production arm of the British Urban Film Festival, which supports independent films through theatrical releases and audience-focused campaigns.
You can also visit the official Shadows of Beirut website for more information about the film.
Shadows of Beirut at a glance
- Release Date: 25 September 2026
- Director: Tina Gharavi
- Writer/Producer: Tala Calil
- Cast: Tala Calil, Assaad Bouab and Flavia Bechara
- Producers: Yariv Lerner, Tala Calil, Rob Van Norden, Pia Patatian and Dimo Aleksandrov
- Executive Producer: Paula Crickard
- Distributor: BUFF Studios
- Runtime: 90 minutes
