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In the late ‘60s, two celebrated producers, who were struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics, discovered a musician in a Detroit bar. They recorded an album that they believed was going to secure his reputation as one of the greatest recording artists of his generation. In fact, the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide. But a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, it became a phenomenon. Two South African fans then set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Their investigation led them to a story more extraordinary than any of the existing myths about the artist known as Rodriguez. SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN is a film about hope, inspiration and the resonating power of music.

8:00pm – shown in collaboration with the newport folk festival. Rodriguez, the film’s subject, and director, Malik Bendjelloul, will be in attendance. Rodriguez will be performing live at the newport folk festival on sunday july 29

Run time: USA / 82 min
Director: MALIK BENDJELLOUL
Searching for Sugar Man
This is a past event

A hugely entertaining, emotionally touching, and musically revelatory experience.

Indiewire

Cold Fact, the 1970 vinyl is all genius (flaws and all) to those in the know.

Entertainment Weekly

Winner of the 2012 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award

Rodriguez's story stands apart.

USA Today

From the academy award winning Producer of MAN ON WIRE

Terrific film, and amazing story.

Telegraph

An extraordinary journey.

The Daily Mirror

Fascinating. A must see.

Empire

This remarkable artifact of Michigan hippie soul by singer-songwriter Sixto Diaz Rodriguez – a lost classic originally issued in 1970 – is what Bob Dylan’s mid-Sixties electric record might have sounded like if he’d made them in Detroit at the dawn of funk.

Film shown in partnership with