Project Detail

Searching For Sugar Man

Synopsis

A musician is discovered In a Detroit bar in the late 60s by two celebrated producers struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics. They record an album which they believe is going to secure his reputation as the greatest recording artist of his generation. In fact, the album bombs and the singer disappears into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide. But a bootleg recording finds its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, it becomes a phenomenon. Two South African fans then set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Their investigation leads them to a story more extraordinary than any of the existing myths about the artist known as Sixto Rodriguez. This is a film about hope, inspiration and the power of music.

Details

Year
2012
Type of film
Features
Running time
85 mins
Director
Malik Bendjelloul 1st Feature
Producer
Simon Chinn
Executive Producer
John Battsek
Editor
Jinx Godfrey
Screenwriter
Malik Bendjelloul
Director of Photography
Camilla Skagerström
Composer
Sixto Rodriguez

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Red Box Films

33-34 Rathbone Place
London
W1T 1JN
UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7323 9933

Sales Company

Protagonist Pictures

Waverley House
7-12 Noel Street
London
W1F 8GQ
UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7734 9000

Page updates

This page was last updated on 12th May 2025. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.

See also

You may also be interested in other relevant projects in the database.

Spacewoman Spacewoman

Director: Hannah Berryman

Year: 2024

A landmark feature documentary about astronaut Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command the Space Shuttle.<br /> Eileen’s incredible journey starts with her smalltown beginnings, sees her smash through many glass ceilings, and culminates in four dramatic space shuttle missions, the last being possibly the most dangerous and most important of them all.<br /> At its heart the film is the moving human drama of one family, where a mother’s extraordinary career takes us straight to the big philosophical question of what is the level of acceptable risk in human endeavour? <br /> This film celebrates Commander Collins’ trailblazing NASA career which opened the way for women to become spacecraft pilots and commanders, and proved a perfect riposte to a previous generation of male astronauts who thought there was no place for women to lead the way in space. <br /> Official Selection DOC NYC 2024 - World premiere<br /> Official Selection CPH:DOX 2025 - European premiere

The Partisan Memorial Cemetery in Mostar, Bosnia lit up by candle light The Partisan Necropolis

Director: Chris Leslie

Year: 2025

In the divided town of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a once renowned National Monument and Cemetery honouring young WWII partisan fighters is being destroyed by neo-fascist forces.<br /> <br /> While most of the town dismiss it as a relic of communism and an enemy monument, a small group of determined relatives embark on a poignant quest to preserve their loved ones’ memories amid the ruins. <br /> Official Selection Sarajevo Film Festival 2025

Tomorrow's Too Late Tomorrow's Too Late

Director: Terry Loane

Year: 2025

In a never-before-seen way, we are invited to see up close and intimately the changes a transgender person may experience during a medical transition. Having carved out a successful career as ‘Lots’ Holloway (his previous name and artist’s alias), will Dylan Holloway be accepted by his fans who fell in love with his music in the same way. From the highs of gender euphoria to the challenging lows of self-doubt and vulnerability - will all of Dylan’s dreams come true in his mission to be his authentic self or will he have to give up the one thing that’s always brought him solace, his voice.<br /> Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2025 - World premiere