Screen NSW congratulates the cast and filmmakers of The Sapphires, which was the toast of last week’s Cannes International Film Festival. The Sapphires had its World Premiere at a special midnight screening, in Official Selection, on the first Saturday night of the Festival and was celebrated with a 10 minute standing ovation from a rapturous audience.

Director Wayne Blair, producers Rosemary Blight and Kylie du Fresne, and the cast Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell walked the red carpet and delighted the hundreds of photographers with an impromptu dance to one of the songs from the film’s fabulous soundtrack. It was an incredible week for The Sapphires team with The Weinstein Company announcing that it acquired worldwide rights to the film, with the exception of territories already sold - UK & Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada, Israel, Portugal and airlines.

The Sapphires is proudly supported through Screen NSW's Production Finance program and Regional Filming Fund.