The 61st Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) announced today that the 2012 Festival will open on 2 August 2012 with the Australian Premiere of The Sapphires. Distributor Hopscotch also announced that it will be released nationally a week later on 9 August 2012.
Festival Director Michelle Carey commented “MIFF is thrilled to be presenting The Sapphires straight from Cannes. Not only is this one of the most anticipated Australian films of the year, a Victorian story and a brilliant filmmaking team, the film will leave audiences on an immense high, ready to kick up their heels at what is sure to be one of the most celebratory parties of the year.”
The Sapphires is written by Tony Briggs and based on the remarkable true story of his mother’s time in The Sapphires – Australia’s answer to The Supremes, and their tour of the troops in Vietnam. Starring Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids), Deborah Mailman (Bran Nue Dae, MIFF 09), Jessica Mauboy (Bran Nue Dae, MIFF 09), Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell,The Sapphires is a heart-warming and distinctly Australian celebration of youth, courage, love and family, featuring an unbeatable soundtrack of glorious Motown-era soul music.
Tickets can be purchased for the opening night from the MIFF Official site.
MIFF announced their Next Gen program last week. MIFF’s First Glance of the program is out on 5 June. On 11 July members can start buying tickets from the full program, announced on 13 July.
The Sapphires will be released in Australia on 9 August 2012 from Hopscotch.
