Production began on the 75th anniversary of the day wharfies refused to load pig iron headed for Japan, which the workers feared would be turned into weapons for its war against China.

The strike sparked a nine-week stand-off with the Australian government.

The documentary is named Pig Iron Bob after a nickname given to Robert Menzies in January 1939 when the attorney-general at the time came to the port to try to end the strike.

Port Kembla wharf's wonder woman

The stand taken by Port Kembla wharfies and seamen successfully prevented Japanese bullets and bombs being made from Australian pig iron.

Mr Cross, now a seaman in the offshore oil and gas industry, said being involved in the film was an eye-opener.

‘‘I’m new to the industry,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s a pretty important part of the history of the local area.

‘‘I’d like to think that I would [strike for nine weeks without pay]; you also have to weigh up feeding your family.’’

Fellow union member Adam Palmer, a wharfie from Port Kembla, also played a wharfie dressed in period costume.

‘‘I wear this every day to work,’’ he said jokingly.

‘‘They saved thousands of lives,’’ he said of the men who went on strike.

Bulli documentary director and producer Sandra Pires said it was a fantastic story that was an important part of  the community’s history.

‘‘Everybody knows the nickname Pig Iron Bob, but they don’t know why he got it,’’ she said.

‘‘Nine weeks without work is a long time over a moral issue.’’

The project has been funded with a range of sponsors, including the MUA, as well as donations from individuals through a crowd source funding initiative. ‘‘One pensioner waited until his pension came in, then when it did he sponsored us with $60,’’ Ms Pires said. ‘‘We need more to be able to finish the film.’’

Another day of filming will happen take place on January 22 next year and the film is set to be released in May.

Visit pigironbob.com.au for more information, to donate the historical documentary.