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A Time for Burning

Name: A Time for Burning
Director: Bill Jersey, Barbara Connell
Released: 1967
Duration: 58 min

Representation Score

3.4/10

Limited

1967

Director

Bill Jersey, Barbara Connell

Runtime

58 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Time for Burning serves as a vital historical document that critiques the social inertia of mid-century religious institutions. Its primary value lies in its examination of racial segregation and the active struggle for integration within a white-dominated space. While the film excels at deconstructing institutional complacency and highlighting racial dynamics, it lacks breadth in other areas. The focus remains heavily on ecclesiastical leadership, which limits the visibility of diverse gender roles and other identity-based perspectives. Ultimately, the film is a focused study of racial justice and systemic conflict, making it a significant piece of progressive documentary history despite its narrow demographic scope.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Time for Burning have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film contains no documented evidence of LGBTQ+ characters or themes. There is no information available regarding queer representation within this historical context.

How does A Time for Burning portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on male-dominated church leadership and congregational issues. There is little evidence of women playing a significant role or challenging gender hierarchies within the church.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Time for Burning?

Good

The film highlights the tension between an all-white congregation and Black Lutherans in Omaha. It gives ability to act to the minister fighting segregation and includes perspectives from the Black community.

How does A Time for Burning represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary critiques the Augustana Lutheran Church as a site of systemic failure rather than stability. It frames the congregation's resistance to integration as a moral and institutional obstacle.

Does A Time for Burning include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The documentation provides no information regarding disability representation.

Present on Screen

It provides meaningful representation of the racial dynamics and the struggle for integration in 1960s Omaha.
It critically examines religious institutions as sites of systemic conflict rather than unified community hubs.
It highlights the ability to act of those actively working to bridge racial divides within the church.

Limited or Absent

It lacks significant representation of women playing a major role or challenging gender hierarchies.
It provides no documented evidence regarding LGBTQ+ or disability representation.
The narrative focus remains heavily centered on male-dominated ministerial leadership.

Official Synopsis

Explores the attempts of the minister of the Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska, to persuade his all-white congregation to reach out to "negro" Lutherans in the city's north side.

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