Already a rising music star, former Australian Idol contestant Jessica Mauboy could soon be a sought-after actor thanks to a starring role alongside Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush.

Mauboy, is currently shooting for a new Australian film - a screen adaption of the stage musical Bran Nue Dae, set in Broome.

Mauboy plays the female lead in the movie, alongside the likes of Rush, Ernie Dingo, Deborah Mailman and singer-songwriter Missy Higgins.

Mauboy had never acted before, but has been lucky enough to be guided by Rush.

"I have learnt a lot. I was mentored by him while reading the script and going through it a couple of times," Mauboy told AAP on Wednesday.

"He's an amazing artist. I think he's just beautiful.

"The cast is great, its going to be funny it's going to be a bit of everything."

Bran Nue Day tells the story of a young Aboriginal man, Willie, growing up in Broome in the 1960s. His mother has high hopes for him and sends him to a religious mission for further schooling but he runs away after an incident, and heads back to Broome.

Mauboy plays Rosie, Willie's love interest, while Rush plays Father Benedictus. It is due for release in July next year.

Mauboy found similarities with her character.

"The character that I'm playing I haven't really changed, it seems as though I'm still the same person playing that Rosie character," she said.

"It's kind of moving and for Broome itself it was originally written there and it is based on a true story."

The part comes as Mauboy's career is skyrocketing.

The 2006 Idol Runner Up's first single 'Running Back', which she recorded with US singer FloRida has been a hit.

Her debut album Been Waiting will be released this weekend, while she'll perform her second single 'Burn' at the Australian Idol grand final at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday.

She said she was looking forward to showing her more "confident" side in 'Burn', by an American writer who has worked with big names like The Pussycat Dolls, Jordin Sparks and Rihanna.

"It's going to be unexpected, a lot of people hadn't seen this side of me - the Jess that no one's ever seen," she said.

"This is from my own creativity and something I've built up and I guess this is the direction I want to go."

"I'm really proud of this album."