Duke Divinity Presents the Windrider Forum Featuring Burden. Join Duke Initiatives in Theology & the Arts (DITA) and the Office of Black Church Studies for a screening of the movie Burden. After the movie, there will a conversation with Director Andrew Heckler. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Bryan Student Center parking lot for $2/hr. Masking is required in all indoor facilities on Duke’s campus. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Burden is a 2018 American drama film inspired by true events. The film was written and directed by Andrew Heckler. The film stars Garrett Hedlund, Forest Whitaker, Andrea Riseborough, Tom Wilkinson, Tess Harper, and Usher. The film, which is rated R for mature content and language, premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award.

Synopsis of the Film

Mike Burden is rising through the ranks of the Ku Klux Klan and being mentored by the local Klan leader, who has become a toxic father figure, until he falls in love with a single mom who stirs his social conscience, risking retribution from the Klan. An African-American preacher and activist in town, Rev. David Kennedy, offers him safety and forgiveness and a shot at redemption. The film is based on true events in historic Laurens, S.C.

About the Director 

As an actor, writer, director, and producer, Andrew Heckler has participated in all aspects of the entertainment business. Burden is his feature directorial debut and is based on a screenplay he wrote in 1999. Burden received the Audience Award at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival as well as the same award at the Nantucket Film Festival, where he was also presented with the Visionary Award for screenwriting.