The Sapphires  - a fact based 'indigenous musical' biopic set in 1968 features the acting and vocal talents of UMP’s Jess Mauboy. Jess’ role as one of four singers in all-girl aboriginal group The Sapphires also serves to highlight a number of works from the prestigious Rondor Music catalogue.  

UMP worked with Australian producers Goalpost Pictures on the film’s soulful soundtrack from inception through to its debut where it received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.  Iconic Memphis Soul/R&B works such as 'What A Man', 'Soul Man', 'Hold On I’m Coming' & 'I’ll Take You There' are featured throughout the movie which utilises some of the ever popular original masters, alongside re-recorded versions of these classic UMP works magically interpreted by The Sapphires in the girl group styling of the day. The soundtrack’s lead single “Gotcha” (see Writers Block story), which was co-written by UMP Australia’s Mauboy, Louis Schoorl and Ilan Kidron (of The Potbelleez), has recently been added to the BBC Radio 2 playlist in the UK, and has been nominated in the “Best Original Soundtrack” category for the 26th ARIA Awards.

So far at home The Sapphires grossed 13.5 million over its first 8 weeks in cinemas, making it the 14th most successful Australian film of all time. The film was picked up by The Weinstein Company for distribution in the US, where it recently made its debut at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival in Colorado. The Weinstein Companies Senior head of acquisitions Daniel Guando said that audiences who attended the festival had embraced the film. It is expected to be given US and UK release dates soon.