Storylines: The Sapphires

The Australian High Commission presents a selection of Aboriginal feature films and documentaries curated by renowned Australian film director Rachel Perkins, bringing the stories of Australia’s first peoples to Africa. As Aboriginal people claimed the right to determine their future in the political world, so too did Aboriginal people claim the right to portray themselves and their stories. In the process, Aboriginal filmmaking also evolved from its humble beginnings to become recognised on its artistic merits as world class cinema.

The Sapphires.

100 min. Director: Wayne Blair

Gail, Cynthia, Julie and Kay are sexy, black, young and talented – and they’ve never set foot outside Australia. Until, in the chaos of 1968, they’re plucked from the obscurity of a remote Aboriginal mission, branded as Australia’s answer to The Supremes, and – grasping the chance of a lifetime – dropped into the jungles of Vietnam to entertain the troops. Inspired by the hit stage-play of the same name.