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"Every few years a new documentary comes along that is so powerful, so illuminating, and so unforgettable that it is deemed an instant classic and an essential classroom teaching tool. Forgotten Fires is such a film. This riveting exploration of the devastating consequences of racial hatred shines a profoundly revealing light into the darkest reaches of America's heart and soul...
Rarely has a film on race relations granted such deep humanity to all its participants, and it is this inclusiveness that gives Forgotten Fires its overwhelming impact. It will inspire thought, discussion, and analysis in a wide variety of courses in American history and studies, African American studies, sociology, psychology, criminology, and multiculturalism."
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Daniel Bickley
University of California Extension
Center for Media and Independent Learning
Educational copies of FORGOTTEN FIRES are available from:
Berkeley Media LLC
Phone: 510-486-9900
Fax: 510-486-9944
Email: info@berkeleymedia.com
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Who Should See This Film?
- FAITH COMMUNITIES.
The burning of churches, temples, and synagogues is an attempt to destroy communities of believers by reducing their spiritual homes to ashes. The arsonists deny the people they hate an opportunity to gather in worship. Who better to stand with these victims of fire than other believers?
- GROUPS DOING ANTI-RACIST WORK.
Forgotten Fires is a useful tool to examine how hate crimes get acted out, and to develop strategies for resisting them. The connections are obvious for those who work with youth and in rural areas, but the issues raised are also pertinent in cities and among both socially-conscious and complacent adults.
- EDUCATORS AND SCHOOLS.
The old musical South Pacific has a song, "You've Got to be Carefully Taught," about children learning prejudice. Forgotten Fires helps teachers recognize ways that society teaches children to hate. The film presents a major social problem in a form that junior and senior high school students can grasp, opening discussion about racism and hate crimes.
- PEOPLE WORKING IN JUVENILE CORRECTIONS SYSTEMS.
Forgotten Fires mirrors American society as a whole, but it offers a particular opportunity for juvenile offenders to identify with Tim Welch, both in his crime and in his effort to take responsibility and to repent. Corrections officers have responded enthusiastically to early screenings of this film.
Some Ideas for Getting the Word Out
- Show Forgotten Fires and hold discussions in local schools, churches and community organizations; include panels of speakers on local action opportunities.
- Read and discuss the National Church Arson Task Force Report.
- Use the curriculum and community action materials from the video Not in Our Town; the Southern Poverty Law Center's "Teaching Tolerance" program; and Study Circles Research Center's "Facing the Challenge of Racism and Race Relations".
- It is important that community leaders publicly oppose hate crimes. Ask your city or county board to proclaim a Forgotten Fires week to celebrate the efforts of all who work to end hate crimes, generate discussion that promotes civility, and encourage every individual to take responsibility and action toward a violence-free society.
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