Limelight lights up The Salvation Army’s proud filmmaking history

Majors Kirsten and Warren Elliott, of the Victoria Division, at the premiere of Limelight in Melbourne. Photo: Joel Young

BY BARRY GITTINS

More than 400 filmgoers attended the world premiere of Limelight – Salvation and the Silver Screen on Wednesday night, 21 August 2024, in Melbourne’s The Palms at Crown.

The extravaganza was preceded by the screening of a magic lantern show by Dr Martyn Jolly, complete with live music and narrators.

Director Eddie Beyrouthy told Salvos Online that the 17 months of hard work from pre-production to the premiere were challenging “but so rewarding – it wasn’t a job, or a task, it was a passion project”.

Director Eddie Beyrouthy addresses the audience at the Limelight premiere. Photo: Joel Young

“There was no hesitation or doubt in my mind when it came to this subject; I needed to tell a complex story, in 95 minutes, that people could connect and relate to.”

Eddie sees himself as a fellow traveller with the Salvos and admires their work.

“My mother is Catholic, and my father is Orthodox, so I do believe in God,” he said. “In my journey as a filmmaker, every choice I make is led by faith. I really embraced this story, celebrating The Salvation Army’s achievements.”

Shooting Limelight, he added, “definitely changed my understanding of the film industry and its origins. I really wanted to share the story of the Limelight Department and the untold story of the birth of film in Australia. So many people have said to me, ‘I didn’t know The Salvation Army did this!’”

Colonels Kelvin and Winsome Merrett at the premiere.

Ten per cent of the night’s ticket sales and all proceeds of a silent auction held that evening were donated to The Salvation Army Australia Museum, amounting to $1460.

Eddie hopes the documentary will be released by the end of the year and is exploring options for streaming platforms and DVD release for home entertainment.

There are also tentative plans to tour in a Limelight Roadshow. The Salvation Army Australia Museum congratulates Eddie on his historicity, attention to detail, and visual storytelling.

Limelight is an eloquent, credible take on the story of filmmaking in Australia. He was kind to The Salvation Army and shared an informed view of the movement.

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