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SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN

    Director: Malik Bendjelloul

    Screenwriters: Malik Bendjelloul

    Institute History

    Rodriguez was the greatest ’70s U.S. rock icon who never was. His albums were critically well-received, but sales bombed, and he faded away into obscurity among rumors of a gruesome death. However, as fate would have it, a bootleg copy of his record made its way to South Africa, where his music became a phenomenal success. In a country suppressed by apartheid, his antiestablishment message connected with the people.

    When his second album finally gets released on CD in South Africa, two fans take it as a sign, deciding to look into the mystery of how Rodriguez died and what happened to all of the profits from his album sales. Since very little information about the singer exists, they meet many obstacles until they uncover a shocking revelation that sets off a wild chain of events that has to be seen to be believed. SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN is a story of hope, inspiration, and the resonating power of music.

    Award Winner
    World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Prize for its Celebration of the Artistic Spirit
    World Cinema Audience Award: Documentary

    — T.G.
    Awards
    World Cinema Audience Award Documentary, World Cinema Special Jury Prize Documentary
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