Beyond the Call

Adrien Belic
U.S., 2006
English
53 minutes • Color
Production: Wadi Rum Films
Cinematography: Adrian Belic
Music: Marcello DeFrancisci, Blue Labyrinth
Principal Cast: Ed Artis, Jim Laws, Walt Ratterman

SHOWTIMES:
Mon Apr 30 3:15pm Indy Men’s Magazine Screening Room (Landmark)

Wed May 2 9:45pm WTTS Screening Room (Landmark)

Beyond the Call documents the saga of three men who band together to form an international aid group that distributes food and goods to civilian populations in war-torn regions of the world.

Ed Artis, the leader of this informal aid group, attests, “I know what I’m not going to be… that’s complacent, apathetic, and a sit on my ass kind of guy.” Jim Laws, a doctor, is an important part of the group. A tour of his home reveals his obsession with the figure of Napoleon, “the first ruler of a major country that advanced people on merit, not birthright.” Walt Ratterman, neo-survivalist and farmer, is the third member of the group. His farm, which runs on solar energy, is “not dependent on the grid whatsoever.” Ratterman achieves his dream to help others through the work of the group.

As the men explain, their project is “self-funded” through donated food, medicine and clothing, and they pay their own way, thereby suggesting the tagline of the film, a “Mother Teresa meets Indiana Jones adventure.” - Deborah White-Stanley.