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Search for Rodriguez doccie to show in SA

Cape Town - A documentary film about mysterious 70s musician Sixto Diaz Rodriguez and his influence on two South African fans is set to be shown in selected cinemas around the country.

Searching for Sugar Man tells the story of Detroit singer-songwriter Rodriguez who, as portrayed in the film, became a source of hope and inspiration in apartheid South Africa before disappearing.

Swedish filmmaker Malik Bendjelloul, whose film subjects have included Sting, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Madonna and Mariah Carey, said this is the best story he's ever heard.

"I found the story in 2006. I was looking for stories, travelling around South Africa and America, and thinking the purpose was to sell them to Swedish TV, because I'd been working for Swedish TV before.

"It was the best story I'd ever heard in my life and probably ever will," said Bendjelloul.

Disappeared into obscurity

Searching for Sugar Man
follows two South African Rodriguez fans who set out to discover what exactly happened to their idol.

Even though his LP did well and album Cold Fact  is predicted to have reached platinum sales in South Africa alone, the singer disappeared into obscurity and was rumoured to be dead.

It has also been reported that Rodriguez had no idea of his fan base in South Africa.

The documentary premiered in New York at the Tribeca Film Festival in April and went on to win the World Cinema Special Jury Prize and the Audience Award, World Cinema Documentary at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

It will open in cinemas in New York and Los Angeles on 27 July and screens in South Africa from 31 August at selected cinemas.

For a complete release schedule, visit the film's website at www.SearchingForSugarManMovie.com.

Tickets are available on on the Cinema Nouveau website or by calling the Ster-Kinekor ticketline on 082 16789.

Watch the trailer below:




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