Searching for Sugar Man is a documentary film directed by Malik Bendjelloul. It tells the story of two South African music fans, Stephen "Sugar" Segerman and Craig Bartholomew Strydom, who set out to discover what happened to their musical hero, Rodriguez - a mysterious 1970s American rock 'n' roller.
Rodriguez released two albums in the early 1970s, which were critically acclaimed but commercial failures. Despite this, his music found a following in apartheid-era South Africa, where it became the soundtrack to a generation of anti-establishment youth.
However, rumors began to circulate that Rodriguez had committed suicide on stage during a concert. Segerman and Bartholomew Strydom set out to investigate, hoping to uncover the truth about their hero's fate.
What they discovered was a revelation - Rodriguez was alive and well and living in Detroit, completely unaware of the impact his music had had on the other side of the world. The film follows their journey of discovery, as they meet Rodriguez and learn about his incredible life story.
Searching for Sugar Man is a powerful and moving film that celebrates the transformative power of music and the enduring legacy of a forgotten artist. It won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 85th Academy Awards.