PREVIEW: The Sapphires (PG)

The Sapphires is the first feature film by Australian director, Wayne Blair. The music comedy stars Irish comedian Chris O'Dowd as talent scout Dave Lovelace, who brings together four talented Aboriginal women  to entertain US troops in Vietnam in 1968.

1968 was the year that changed the world. And for four young Aboriginal sisters from a remote mission in rural Australia, this is the year that would change their lives forever. Singing sisters Gail, Julie and Cynthia, together with their cousin Kay, are discovered by Dave, a down-on-his-luck Irish musician with attitude, a taste for Irish Whiskey and an ear for soul music. Dave steers the girls away from their Country & Western origins, billing them as the Australian answer to The Supremes, then flies them to the war-zones of South Vietnam to sing for the troops. On tour in the Mekong Delta, the girls sing up a storm, dodge bullets… and fall in love. Based on a true story, this is a triumphant celebration of youth, courage, love, family and soul music.

Based on the stage play of the same name, The Sapphires is warm hearted tale of four talented singers being plucked from obscurity and thrust into in the limelight as Australia's version of The Supremes. Written by Tony Briggs' and based on the remarkable true story of his mother and three aunts, The Sapphires has gained critical acclaim worldwide.

Making its World Premiere at Cannes Film Festival in May 2012, it received a ten minute standing ovation and was dubbed the Australian version of Dreamgirls (2008). It has received many award nominations at other international film festivals, including Director to Watch at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

*The Sapphires is a likable, uneven feelgood movie, based on real life: all about a winsome foursome with a lot of soul.* The Guardian

*Far too lovable to resist.* Empire Magazine 

Watch the trailer below:

The Sapphires will be shown at Gloucester Guildhall Wednesday 20th February at 2pm and 7.45pm an Thursday 21st February at 10.45am.