Searching for Sugar Man 2012

Detroit musician Sixto Rodriguez recorded two politically-charged albums in the early ‘70s - Cold Fact and Coming to Reality - but they flopped in the States and he went off the radar. Searching for Sugar Man traces Rodriguez’s missing years, and the story unearthed is amazing: Cold Fact found its way into South Africa, and went on to sell thousands, attaining Rodriguez the cult status of being bigger than Elvis in that country. But he remained a mystery to his fans, with many believing he committed suicide on stage by setting himself alight.

Featuring interviews with Rodriguez’s colleagues, family, and former producers who’re still bewildered at why he never took off, the doco finds its shape via the passionate sleuthing of two South African fans, revealing narrative layers that go beyond simple myth-busting. Bendjelloul’s juxtaposition of Rodriguez’s parallel lives - the inspirational, anti-establishment rock legend in a country torn by oppression, and the humble, blue-collar worker who had no idea he was one - proves to be powerful, uncanny, uplifting.

Searching for Sugar Man satisfies both as a tribute to the transformative qualities of music and the selflessness of a rare individual. Hide