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Inspired by a remarkable true story, The Sapphires tells the feel-good story of Australia's answer to The Supremes.
An adaptation of Tony Briggs' successful stage musical of the same name, The Sapphires is set in the late 60s when the McCrae girls - four talented young singers from a remote Aboriginal mission - are plucked from obscurity and branded Australia's version of The Supremes. The girls dream of becoming as big as their Motown idols and they get their chance when they're flown to Vietnam to entertain the troops, opening their eyes to a whole new world of sex, war, politics and soul.
Directed by Wayne Blair (who appeared in Blessed, MIFF 09) and starring Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell and Deborah Mailman reprising her role from the original play, The Sapphires had its world premiere at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.
The Sapphires is a heartwarming, distinctly Australian tale full of joy, love and laughter, and featuring an unbeatable soundtrack of Motown-era soul music.
Rated PG
D Wayne Blair P Rosemary Blight, Kylie du Fresne S Keith Thompson, Tony Briggs Dist Hopscotch TD 35mm/2012
Read an extended article on The Sapphires at Senses of Cinema.