Searching for Sugarman

Searching for Sugar Man 2012

• Director: Malik Bendjelloul
• Based on novel: no, it’s a documentary
• Cast: It’s a documentary about Sixto Rodriguez
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in: no cast
• Why?  Music
• Seen:  15 July 2019

 Another Swedish film that has won many international awards, including an Oscar and BAFTA for best documentary.

Rodriguez was a musician in Detroit in the 60’s. It was said that his songs were as good as Dylan’s. It was said that he was the next big thing. He was an elusive, mystical drifter, a gritty inner-city poet. He had the support of the big wigs in the music industry.

So what happened?

Oddly his albums became underground superhits in apartheid South Africa though they had no idea who he was. His music inspired the anti-apartheid movement, though it was strictly banned by the government. His records sold more than the Rolling Stones or Presley. But no one knew anything about him. Was he even still alive? Had he committed suicide on stage?

The search begins.

What a fascinating story. What a life. What a film.

Tragically, the director committed suicide two years after the film was made.

5 * of 5