The Sapphires has posted a solid $US40,900 across four screens in its opening weekend in the US.
The musical, about four Aboriginal singers who perform for the troops in Vietnam during the late-60s, was the biggest local hit of 2012, grossing $14.46 million in Australia. It also took just under £700,000 in the UK.
The US marketing campaign has been led by The Weinstein Company and has centred on Chris O'Dowd, who plays the singers' manager, and has a high profile in North America after appearing in Bridesmaids, Friends With Kids, and This is 40.
The film has attracted largely positive reviews and a strong publicity campaign by the five lead actors and director Wayne Blair has included spots on The Jay Leno Show and the The Ellen Show.
Mental will also have a limited US release on March 29.
Contact this reporter at bswift@www.if.com.au or on Twitter at @bcswift.
Australian Films at the Box Office 2013