Characters
Who is the oldest of the four singing sisters?
Gail
Why is the talent competition important to the beginning of the story?
It gives the women an opportunity to show their singing talent.
What was the Stolen Generations?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families.
Who says, "I don't see how you're gonna win any contest if I'm not there"?
Julie
What theme is shown when the sisters support each other?
Family
Why does Gail often try to control the other girls?
She is the oldest and feels responsible for the group and her sisters.
What problems do the women face after arriving in Vietnam?
They face racism, relationship problems and the dangers of the Vietnam War.
How does Kay's removal affect her identity?
She becomes disconnected from her family, culture and Aboriginal identity.
What does the quote "Welcome home, my daughter" show about Kay's relationship with her mother?
It shows love, acceptance and belonging.
What does the group give the four women?
Friendship, support and a sense of belonging
How does Kay's personality change throughout the film?
She becomes more open about her past and reconnects with her family and culture.
What does Dave see in the four women that other people do not see?
He sees their talent and believes they could become successful performers.
Why does Gail sometimes argue with Kay?
They have different experiences and opinions about Aboriginal identity and relationships.
Choose one quote that shows racism. What does it reveal about Australian society at the time?
"It's because we are black, stupid." It shows that the women experience discrimination because they are Aboriginal.
Why is culture important to the four women?
Culture helps them understand their identity and connection to their community.
Why is Dave important to the success of The Sapphires?
He recognises their talent, manages them and helps them get the opportunity to perform in Vietnam.
How does Kay's past become an important part of the main storyline?
Her experience of being removed from her family explains her struggle with identity and belonging.
How does Kay's experience represent some of the experiences of Aboriginal children who were removed from their families?
She experiences separation from family, loss of cultural connection and confusion about her identity.
"Show's over girls. Pack your swags and get back to the humpy." What is 'humpy'?
a traditional, temporary shelter made of branches, bark, and leaves, originally built by Indigenous Australians
How does Kay's journey demonstrate the importance of identity?
Her journey shows that being reconnected to family and culture helps her understand who she is.
Why does Gail become angry with Kay about her relationship with a white man?
Gail has strong views about Aboriginal identity and believes Kay should understand and respect her Aboriginal background.
How does the ending resolve some of the major conflicts in the film?
Kay reconnects with her family, and the sisters become more understanding and supportive of one another.
How does Wayne Blair show the importance of family in The Sapphires?
Through the sisters' relationship and Kay's reunion with her mother, Blair shows that family can provide love, identity and belonging.
"This poor little mission gin making the coconut shamed?" What does 'coconut' mean?
a person is dark-skinned on the outside but "white" on the inside
What does the film teach us about the importance of family?
Family can provide love, support and a sense of belonging.