A Time for Burning Poster

A Time for Burning 1967

★ 5.67 votes58 min📅 1967-02-23

A Time for Burning (1967) immerses viewers in a pivotal moment of social change through the lens of Omaha's Augustana Lutheran Church.

Director: Barbara Connell

Cast

Ernie Chambers
Self
Ray Cristensen
Self
Bill Youngdahl
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Time for Burning (1967) about?

A Time for Burning centers on a courageous minister's efforts to persuade his all-white Lutheran congregation in Omaha to connect with their Black neighbors. The documentary captures the friction, dialogue, and small but significant steps toward racial unity during a turbulent era of American history.

Who directed A Time for Burning?

Barbara Connell directed A Time for Burning (1967), crafting a documentary that blends social commentary with intimate storytelling.

Who stars in A Time for Burning?

The documentary features Ernie Chambers, Ray Cristensen, and Bill Youngdahl, whose roles provide insight into the community's dynamics and the minister's mission.

Is A Time for Burning (1967) worth watching?

As a historical documentary, A Time for Burning offers a rare and candid look at racial integration efforts in mid-century America. While it may lack mainstream appeal, its themes of faith, prejudice, and progress make it a valuable watch for those interested in social history. The film's brevity and focus keep the experience tight and impactful.

How long is A Time for Burning?

A Time for Burning runs for 58 minutes, a concise runtime that delivers a powerful narrative without unnecessary filler.

🎥 Trailer

About A Time for Burning (1967) — A Documentary on Faith and Civil Rights in 1960s Omaha

A Time for Burning (1967) immerses viewers in a pivotal moment of social change through the lens of Omaha's Augustana Lutheran Church. In this gripping documentary directed by Barbara Connell, a determined minister grapples with the challenge of bridging divides within his all-white congregation, as he urges them to extend a hand to the 'negro' Lutherans living in the city's north side. The film captures the tension, hesitation, and ultimately reluctant steps toward unity amid the broader backdrop of 1960s racial tensions in America. With raw authenticity and quiet urgency, Connell's work invites reflection on progress, resistance, and the personal convictions that can drive societal shifts.

Through intimate interviews and observational footage, A Time for Burning (1967) paints a vivid portrait of a community at a crossroads. Ernie Chambers, Ray Cristensen, and Bill Youngdahl lead the cast, embodying the voices of faith, resistance, and change that define this historic moment. As a documentary, it serves not just as a historical record but as a mirror to the ongoing struggle for racial and social justice, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in the intersections of religion, community, and civil rights.