The Weinstein Company has acquired the distribution rights to The Sapphires by actor/director Wayne Blair. Chris O’Dowd (a scene-stealer in Bridesmaids), Deborah Mailman (Offspring), 2006 Australian Idol runner-up Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, and Miranda Tapsell star in the musical film inspired by a true story. Aboriginal playwright Tony Briggs wrote the script, which is based on the group his mother and family performed in.
Commenting on the acquisition, Weinstein stated, “These girls light up the screen as much as their music lights up the stage. We’re thrilled to bring the stories and music from these sisters to audiences all over the world.”
The Plot:
The Sapphires follows four vivacious, young and talented Australian Aboriginal girls from a remote mission as they learn about love, friendship and war when their all girl group The Sapphires entertains the U.S. troops in Vietnam in 1968. Cynthia (Tapsell), Gail (Mailman), Julie (Mauboy) and Kay (Sebbens) are discovered by Dave (O’Dowd), a good-humored talent scout with a kind heart, very little rhythm but a great knowledge of soul music. As their manager, Dave books the sisters their first true gig, giving them their first taste of stardom, and travels them to Vietnam to sing for the American troops.
