Interview with Wayne Blair, director of 'The Sapphires'

Even though The Sapphires isn't his story, it's still a personal one for director Wayne Blair. The film, which is based on the stageplay by Tony Briggs, tells the true story a quartet of Indigenous Australian women who hope to make it big in the world of soul music, taking their act to Vietnam to entertain the troops.  Growing up in Australia in the midst of the racial turmoil that faced these women, Blair understands all too well the obstacles they faced.

Longtime friends with Briggs and star Deborah Mailman, Blair appeared in the original stage version before making it his feature film debut. I had a chance to talk with Blair about the road to bringing The Sapphires to the big screen; juggling the crowd-pleasing aspects with the social commentary; and working with Bridesmaids star Chris O'Dowd.

Listen to the interview below, then check out my review of The Sapphires here. 

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