Compelling ‘Fires’ Documents Church Burnings

In the PBS documentary “Forgotten Fires,” filmmaker Michael Chandler has created a memorable work that succeeds in tracing the history of the burning of two black churches by white supremacists in a way that not only disturbs, but also inspires hope.

In probing well below the surface of two 1995 church burnings in South Carolina, Chandler taps into some complex truths about the social circumstances that lead to racist emotions. In doing so, he offers a sense of optimism that these feelings of intolerance can be mitigated.

At the center of this often compelling work is Timothy Welch, one of two young Ku Klux Klan supporters imprisoned for the hate crimes. At first Welch is highly unsympathetic as he matter-of-factly recounts his involvement in the arson attacks as well as an assault on a 50-year-old black man. But as his own troubled family background is unearthed and his past friendships with blacks explored, a more humane person emerges. His unwillingness to rationalize his actions and his willingness to serve his debt to society make the remorseful Welch an ultimately hopeful figure.

“Forgotten Fires” also exposes how a core of virulent racists generated hatred in poor and uneducated whites in small Southern towns. As the documentary details, white poverty is conveniently blamed on blacks who--according to Klan rhetoric--attend church to learn how to manipulate government assistance programs to their advantage.

Chandler’s primary strength is his ability to get many of his interview subjects to speak in character-revealing terms. The film is driven primarily by these strong testimonials. The bitter intolerance of an aging Klan leader cannot be diminished by his almost comically euphemistic statement, “We do not burn the cross, we light it.”

Even more striking are the forgiving comments made by the minister of one of the devastated churches. Refusing to be consumed by hate, he sends the imprisoned Welch a letter of support and reconciliation.

There are a number of moments--particularly at the beginning of the documentary--where additional voice-over narration would have brought more clarity to the story. But overall, the black church as a bastion of love and optimism that cannot be destroyed by arson and hate is a message that is eloquently presented by “Forgotten Fires.”

* “Forgotten Fires” airs tonight at 10 on KCET.