Edition 24: 1–9 August, 2025

View from the World

Searching for Sugarman

Sweden, United Kingdom
2012 — 86' / Color, Black & White

1

Synopsis

In 1968, two producers went to a downtown Detroit bar to see an unknown recording artist – a charismatic Mexican-American singer/songwriter named Rodriguez, who had attracted a local following with his mysterious presence, soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics. They were immediately bewitched by the singer, and thought they had found a musical folk hero in the purest sense – an artist who reminded them of a Chicano Bob Dylan, perhaps even greater.

Director Biography

Based in Stockholm, Malik Bendjelloul has been directing documentaries for twelve years, primarily based on musicians. In 2001, Bendjelloul directed the first ever documentary about German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk. He has also made a documentary series about the history of heavy metal as well as some single documentaries, collaborating with such iconic artists as Björk, Sting, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Madonna, Mariah Carey, U2 and Kylie Minogue.

Director

Malik Bendjelloul

Producer

Simon Chinn

Cinematographer

Camila Skagerström

Editor

Malik Bendjelloul

Sound

Per Nyström

Contact

Protagonist Pictures
4th Floor, Waverley House,
7 - 12 Noel Street, London W1F 8GQ
+44 20 7734 9000
[email protected]