Weinstein Co. to release 'Sapphires' film

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NEW YORK, May 16 (UPI) -- The Weinstein Co. says it plans to release the music-themed Australian film "The Sapphires," starring Chris O'Dowd, Jessica Mauboy and Deborah Mailman.

The studio said Tuesday it acquired the worldwide rights -- with the exception of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada, Israel, Portugal and airlines -- from Goalpost Film.

The movie is helmed by Aboriginal actor and theater director Wayne Blair. Co-starring Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell, the film was written by Keith Thompson and Aboriginal playwright Tony Briggs, whose mother and family members were part of the real Sapphires group.

The movie follows "four vivacious, young and talented Australian Aboriginal girls from a remote mission as they learn about love, friendship and war when their all-girl group The Sapphires entertains the U.S. troops in Vietnam in 1968," a synopsis said.

"'The Sapphires' is a rare and special film, and all of us on director Wayne Blair's team are thrilled to be working with The Weinstein Co. which we know will be the very best home for this film," Goalpost Film's Tristan Whalley said in a statement.

"These girls light up the screen as much as their music lights up the stage. We're thrilled to bring the stories and music from these sisters to audiences all over the world," said The Weinstein Co. Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein.