Roscommon born actor Chris O’Dowd has been cast in Dwayne Blair’s (Lockie Leonard, The Djarn Djarns) debut feature - Aussie musical ‘The Sapphires’.
Set in the late 1960s and inspired by a true story, O’Dowd will take on the role of a talent scout who spots four Aboriginal soul singers from a remote community. O’Dowd plucks them out of obscurity and brings them to Vietnam to entertain the troops.
Director Wayne Blair commented on Chris O’Dowd’s involvement saying “I couldn’t be happier. The stars have aligned to make it possible for Chris to be part of ‘The Sapphires’ as Dave, the Irish roustabout who sees the light through four young Aboriginal women. I’ve been a big fan of Chris’ since The IT Crowd and, of course, in Bridesmaids. He's been very generous with his enthusiasm and support for our story and I feel fortunate him being part of our already talented team."
Starring alongside O’Dowd as the Aboriginal girl group are Jessica Mauboy (Brand Nue Dae), Deborah Mailman (Rabbit Proof Fence), Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell (Magical Tales). The Goalpost Pictures Australia production is expected to begin filming in Australia later this month and will later move location to Vietnam.
Chris O’Dowd gained his reputation as an actor playing Roy in ‘The IT Crowd’. His international profile has grown significantly following the massive success of Judd Apatow comedy ‘Bridesmaids’, in which he took on the role of Officer Rhodes. O’Dowd can be seen alongside Megan Fox, Kristen Wigg, Jon Hamm and Maya Rudolph in the upcoming comedy ‘Friends with Kids’ (Release date: TBC).
Financed by Screen Australia and Screen NSW, the Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund, IFS Capital Limited, E-Film Australia and eOne Hopscotch films, ‘The Sapphires’ is written by Keith Thompson and Tony Briggs.
The film will be produced by Rosemary Blight (Executive Producer ‘The Tree) and Kylie du Fresne (Lockie Leonard) with Warwick Thorton (Samson & Delilah) on board as Cinematographer.UK based Goalpost Films are handling sales on the project.
