Beyond the Call ( 3. October 2007, 10:06 by Erik) ~ By David Schroedel

An Exit133 Top Pick

In 2001, Ed Artis, James Laws and Walt Ratterman had been planning a humanitarian trip to Afghanistan. Then came September 11th. Despite the threat of war, a corrupt regime and being no more than three men on a mission, they decided to continue their trip.

That is precisely what makes this three-man organization, “Knightsbridge International,” so different from every other humanitarian organization. They are a doctor, electrical contractor, and retired mortgage banker who have decided to do right in this world in the time they have on it. They go into the most troubled countries, find the most challenging locale, and deliver the most needed goods – all while keeping a positive outlook on the world and humanity.

With a light touch, this documentary follows Artis, Laws and Ratterman through the far reaches of post-9/11 Afghanistan, the rebel controlled area of the Southern Philippines, and the closed border of Burma/Myanmar. In each of these places Knightsbridge asks the people directly what they need most and then does everything they can to track those items down. This typically means arriving with a large amount of cash, a willingness to deal with whoever can supply the goods, and little, if any, official or government sanction.

Each scene of the movie moves your heart as you see how just a little money can go so far in some of the most troubled areas. But the movie avoids becoming overly intense or depressing by interspersing interviews with our three unique guides. As we get to know more about the kind-hearted Ed, James and Walt, we appreciate how their individual assets combine to make a team that can truly accomplish any task.

At one point, Artis is describing what these trips mean to him while sitting in his home office that has become dedicated to Knightsbridge. He tells us about his toothache and how the dentist told him it would cost $700 to remedy. In the end, Artis did not have the work done because, as he said, “Do you know how much rice $700 can buy?” The movie inspires us by showing how Artis, Laws and Ratterman will stretch that money in the most forgotten corners of the world.

Beyond the Call
Directed by Adrian Belic
82 min feature film
Playing Friday, October 5
2:15 pm at the Grand Cinema