Chris O'Dowd & Wayne Blair On 'The Sapphires'

Irish actor Chris O'Dowd, best known for his roles in Bridesmaids and Friends With Kids (as well as a recent guest spot on HBO's Girls), stars in director Wayne Blair's new film, The Sapphires, which received glowing reviews at the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. Often described as the "Aboriginal Dreamgirls," and produced by Oscars heavyweight The Weinstein Co., The Sapphires follows four young, talented Australian Aboriginal girls who form a singing group in 1968 and fly to Vietnam, where they entertain U.S. troops. Combining the fun and spontaneity of soul music with the harsh realities of war, racism and economic struggles, The Sapphires brings up many issues worth discussing — and more than a few to laugh about.

Though O'Dowd had limited singing experience for this musical role, and offscreen capers with his female co-stars, including Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell, who are virtually unknown in the U.S. Once The Sapphires hits theaters in August, all that may change.