New film project to highlight social conscience of the ‘Eternity’ man
- Mar 4
- 2 min read
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
The Salvation Army has offered its support to an upcoming film centred on the life of Arthur Stace, better known as Sydney’s ‘Eternity’ man.
Arthur, a Christian who faced alcohol addiction, was later in life known for his uniquely scripted writing of the word ‘Eternity’ on footpaths across Sydney, following his conversion in the 1930s, and was subsequently called ‘Mr Eternity’.
The film Eternity is the conception of Perri Prince, Director of Turning Point Films. She said she was inspired to revisit Arthur’s legacy – which has been previously immortalised in documentaries, museum exhibits, multiple books and even the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony – after conversations with her aunt Elizabeth Meyers.
Elizabeth, the author of Mr Eternity: The Story of Arthur Stace, knew Stace personally.
She said while there were great documentaries that had captured much of his later years and writing of the word ‘Eternity’ across the city, the feature film would focus on more aspects of Arthur’s life, including his love story with his wife, his preaching and his work with those who were homeless.
The book ‘Eternity’ and an image of ‘Mr Eternity’ Arthur Stace that appears in the book.
“It’s just such a fascinating story,” she said. “There’s so much more to Arthur’s story that is not yet known.”
The feature film Eternity is set to cost over $16 million to produce. According to data from Screen Australia, only around 24 per cent of Australian films have budgets over $10m.
The Salvation Army has already contributed $10,000 to the project, and will feature in the production.
Perri said Australia had produced very few faith-based films in recent years, but she hoped the focus on Stace’s life would bring “a new direction”.
“I’ve had so much support and so much interest from the Christian community, across many denominations,” she said. “That just means the world, because there’s a ready audience there keen to support the project.”
Information on casting, directors and other updates will soon be found here.
