The Sapphires

The Sapphires is an Australian drama/comedy film produced by Goalpost Pictures and distributed by Hopscotch Films, based on the 2005 stage play of the same name which is based on a true story. The film is directed by Wayne Blair and written by Keith Thompson and Tony Briggs, the later of which wrote the play. Production began in 2010, with the casting of the four members of The Sapphires, and filming taking place throughout New South Wales in Australia and Vietnam during August and September 2011.

Plot
Inspired by a true story, 1968 was the year that changed the world. And for four young Aboriginal sisters from a remote mission this is the year that would change their lives forever. Around the globe, there was protest and revolution in the streets. Indigenous Australians finally secured the right to vote. There were drugs and the shock of a brutal assassination. And there was Vietnam. The sisters, Cynthia, Gail, Julie and Kay are discovered by Dave, a talent scout with a kind heart, very little rhythm but a great knowledge of soul music. Billed as Australia's answer to 'The Supremes', Dave secures the sisters their first true gig, and fly's them to Vietnam to sing for the American troops. Based on a true story, THE SAPPHIRES is a triumphant celebration of youthful emotion, family and music.

Cast
Chris O'Dowd as Dave Deborah Mailman as Gail Jessica Mauboy as Julie Shari Sebbens as Kay Miranda Tapsell as Cynthia Tory Kittles as Robbie Eka Darville as Hendo

Production
Based on the 2004 play of the same name by Tony Briggs, the film was first announced in June 2010. It is inspired by the true story of Briggs' mother Laurel Robinson, and aunt, Lois Peeler, who travelled to Vietnam to sing for war troops. The screenplay was co-written by Briggs and Keith Thompson. Filming took place primarily in New South Wales, at Albury, (and its surrounding towns Corowa, Howlong, Culcairn and Morven), with additional shooting taking place in Windsor, Camden, Summerhill, Newtown and Canal Road Studios in Leichhardt, between August and September 2011. The rest of the film's production was moved to Vietnam, for a limited shoot.

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