‘Kajaki,’ ‘In the Morning’: Films that are flying ‘under the radar’

ANALYSIS/OPINION:

Sure, all things “Jurassic,” “Terminator” and “Avengers” are screaming for your movie-going bucks this summer, but there’s a whole lot more out there to appreciate — even films that won’t be found at the multiplex.

In that spirit, here are some films “under the radar” to keep an eye out for at film festivals, streaming and, hopefully, at a theater near you.

“Kajaki”

Director: Paul Katis

“Kajaki” is as intense a war film as has ever been made — no small achievement considering that the “enemy” in the story is a mined valley in Afghanistan. Director Paul Katis tells the true-life story of a British platoon on a routine patrol of a valley near the Kajaki Dam in 2006 which they discover — too late — is riddled with anti-personnel mines. The film becomes an excruciating portrait of soldiers facing unimaginable duress and life-or-death decisions, where seconds count and even the smallest motion could be their last.

“Kajaki” is not for the squeamish, given its hyperrealistic portrayal of battle wounds, but it offers a harrowing snapshot of not only one awful, awful day in the field for a group of young man serving king and country but also brings to life the frightful reality of battle in enemy territory.

Special mention must be made of Cpl. Paul “Tug” Hartley (portrayed by “Game of Thrones” veteran Mark Stanley), the team’s medic, who refuses to allow his men to die of their wounds and puts himself in the very maw of danger so that his brothers in arms might live.

“Killing Me Safely”

Director: Nick Berardini

Director Nick Berardini traces the complex genesis of the “nonlethal” weapon that has been sold to police forces around the world to reduce lethal encounters with suspects.

At first the doc parades a bevy of thankful police chiefs, politicians, talking heads and statisticians to tout the technological advancement and its saving lives. But then the film takes a dark turn, unearthing cases of deadly encounters with perhaps overzealous law enforcement using the electric weapon — often caught on harrowing security camera and dashcam footage.

At that point “Killing Me Safely” employs a David-and-Goliath motif as doctors and politicians, anxious to show that the Taser can be fatal, are stonewalled by company executives who say “more study is needed” in order to stymie further inquiry.

A fascinating behind-the-scenes expose that could not be more timely, given that, as the film says in its closing moments, Taser’s profits are expected to increase exponentially thanks to the company’s landing the contract to outfit police with body cameras.

“In the Morning”

Director: Nefertite Nguvu

The cry continues that there aren’t enough women and minorities working behind the camera, but Nefertite Nguvu is both. Miss Nguvu puts together an ensemble cast portraying the complex world of modern-day Brooklyn in a film that tells of the insecurities and heartbreak of a group of black characters trying to make the hard decisions of everyday life.

The film recently played the 23rd Annual Pan African Film Festival, ReelBlack Black Star Film Festival and Washington, D.C.’s own Parallel Film Collective.

“Best of Enemies”

Directors: Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville

This Sundance festival darling from directors Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville spotlights the political theater created in 1968 by last-place television broadcaster ABC in hiring public intellectuals William F. Buckley Jr. and Gore Vidal to provide commentary and analysis during the Republican and Democratic national conventions. Articulate debate between the conservative Buckley and the liberal Vidal quickly devolved into vitriol, replete with personal attacks, threats of physical assault and subsequent lawsuits.

Through interviews and readings of their subjects’ words by Kelsey Grammer and John Lithgow, Mr. Gordon and Mr. Neville trace an upstart kind of political showboating that, in short order, has turned politicizing into acrimonious show business.

“A Life Outside”

Director: Catherine Brabec

Filmmaker Catherine Brabec initially set out to detail the lives of a cadre of Jersey shore surf rats whose lives revolved around taking their longboards out to catch waves — rain or shine, summer or winter. But the surfers’ lives were forever altered when Superstorm Sandy devastated the beach community of Seaside Heights, New Jersey, in October 2012.

“A Life Outside” showcases a microculture whose existence was upended as the storm not only destroyed their beachside homes but also ruined the pier that created the unique break the surfers rode. A celebration as well as a eulogy for a simpler living, “A Life Outside” is one more exhibit for the sheer variety that American lives might take.

“To Be Strong”

Directors: Ken Spooner and Mike O’Brien

This short documentary follows 22-year-old Anthony Daniels, who is fighting lymphoma with an inspiring dignity and strength. With the odds stacked against him, Mr. Daniels tells the story of how his disease will almost surely take his life unless he finds a viable bone marrow transplant. The filmmakers invite viewers to go to BeTheMatch.org to help find a match for Mr. Daniels — once again showing the power of film not only to educate and illuminate, but also to inspire hope.

“Door Walker”

Director: Brian Parks

This short film follows a man (Brian Parks) whose “job” is to walk people to and from their front doors in a concierge getup. That’s the setup for this whimsical farce that promises a new talent in Mr. Parks. Winner of the best comedy short at the 2015 Garden State Film Festival.