YEAR 9 ENGLISH
Film Study: The Sapphires
INTRODUCTION
“The Sapphires is an inspirational tale set in the heady days of the late 60s when four young, talented singers from a remote Aboriginal mission are discovered and guided by an unlikely manager. Starring AFI award-winner Deborah Mailman (Offspring), platinum selling artist Jessica Mauboy and Bridesmaids’ Chris O’Dowd, this feel-good hit is based on the successful Australian stage musical and inspired by a remarkable true story. Plucked from obscurity and branded as Australia’s answer to The Supremes. The Sapphires grasp the opportunity of a lifetime when invited to entertain American troops in Vietnam. Their journey of discovery offers them not only the chance to show off their musical skills, but find love and togetherness and grow as women.” – DVD Container.
Last updated August, 2019
If you have any problems with these resources or need further help, please contact the Teacher Librarians via lis@mlc.wa.edu.au
The Film
WATCH THE MOVIE
Blair, W., Blight, R., Du Fresne, K., Briggs, T., & Thompson, K. (2012). The Sapphires [Video file]. Retrieved from ClickView database.
BACKGROUND
“The film was inspired by a true story about four indigenous women: sisters Laurel Robinson and Lois Peeler and their cousins Beverley Briggs and Naomi Mayers. These four Yorta Yorta women, born along the Murray River, were part of an extended family who regularly sang together in their community during the 1960s and 1970s. They toured Vietnam in the late 1960s, singing to American troops during the prolonged Vietnam War. All four women still live in Australia, working tirelessly for indigenous peoples’ rights” (Prior & Mellor, 2012).
An interview transcript with the three original band members – Laurel, Beverly and Naomi.
“Now that the film has proved so popular worldwide we’re well aware of the fictional version, but the real life story behind it is little known.”
The Context
1960s AUSTRALIA
A short clip to show what Australia was like in the 1960s.
This resource provides a decade summary, along with information about the historical, political, social and cultural context of Australia in the 1960s.
Bereson, I. (2000). Australia in the 1960s. Melbourne, Vic: Echidna Books.
Despite being a time of economic prosperity, the 1960s was a decade of social revolution when traditional values were questions. Learn about the struggle for Aboriginal rights and Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, as well as the what it was like to live during this decade in Australia.
The 1960s was a decade of growing prosperity for most Australians, with full employment and improving lifestyles, but there was also war and conscription and social conflict. Note: There is also a print book version available on the Library shelf at 994.05 THO
Baricevic, T., Baden-Powell, E., Vaughan, M., Butler, N., & Williams, B. (2015). Australian pop culture 1960s – 1970s [Video file]. Retrieved from ClickView database.
VIETNAM WAR & AUSTRALIA’S INVOLVEMENT
A comprehensive resource that provides an good overview of the Vietnam War and Australia’s involvement.
The arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) in South Vietnam during July and August 1962 was the beginning of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
STOLEN GENERATION
Read why Aboriginal children were stolen from their families, where they were taken and what happened to them. The horrific abuse they suffered in institutions and foster families left thousands traumatised for life.
More coming soon.
CIVIL RIGHTS & FREEDOM RIDES
Some Aboriginal people were granted voting rights in the 1850s, but it wasn’t until 1962 that all Aboriginal Australians were allowed to vote.
The Freedom Ride through western New South Wales towns in February 1965 drew attention to the racism in these towns. Aboriginal student Charles Perkins was, by the end of the journey, a national figure in the fight for Aboriginal rights.
The assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the earthshaking events of 1968 that made it among the most tumultuous and momentous years in American history.
Baricevic, T. (Director), & Moloney, C. (Producer). (2015). The freedom riders [Video file]. (2018). Retrieved from ClickView database.
Wider Reading & Viewing
Healey, J. (2019.). Stolen generations and the way ahead. Retrieved from AccessIt database.
A resource book that offers current, diverse information about important issues in our world, from an Australian perspective.
More coming soon
Teacher Resources
Coming soon
References
Prior, W., & Mellor, S. (2012). The Sapphires study guide. Retrieved from http://www.etv.org.nz/client/34/71210/myetv/102580/369049208_the%20sapphires%20study%20guide.pdf