Sapphires sparkle in London town

Actors Deborah Mailman, Shari Sebbens, Chris O'Dowd, Miranda Tapsell and Jessica Mauboy attends the premiere of 'The Sapphires' in London. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for BFI) Source: Getty Images

The Daily Telegraph reports

That little Aussie film and feel-good musical The Sapphires, has charmed London.

Wayne Blair's big-screen adaptation of a real-life story of a sassy girl group - was made for $8 million and has almost pulled $15 million at the international box office - and is now set for a UK release after premiering in the country's capital yesterday.

While the Aussie cast - Jessica Mauboy, Deborah Mailman, Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell - are complete unknowns on the world stage, the dramedy has a good linchpin in Irish actor Chris O'Dowd, who has had a healthy profile boost after appearing in Bridesmaids.

The 33-year-old said he was more than uncomfortable being outnumbered by his female co-stars.

"I grew up with a house full of women so I felt very comfortable," he told local media.

Tapsell - who appeared in telemovie Mabo this year - said the movie was a big step.

"This is massive for us. This film has changed the perception of how Aboriginal women are seen in the world," she said.

Sebbens added: "Australia is still as racist as it was in the 1960s but we are moving forward. We still experience racism today. The film brings the topic to the table."