Searching for Sugar Man

I watched one of the most memorable documentaries I've seen this year. Searching for Sugar Man tells the story of an artist you probably never heard of - Rodriguez. He made a couple albums in the US in the early 1970s. He was critically acclaimed - some even called him the next Bob Dylan. But his albums didn't sell at all.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, generations of (mostly white) people rebelling against apartheid worshipped him more than Elvis or The Stones. They found out about his music courtesy of some bootleg tapes brought over from the US. He was the mysterious voice of change and rebellion they used as motivation against an oppressive regime. He was so big, he had tribute artists! But his South African fans never saw the man perform. In fact, they thought he was dead. They were in for a big surprise, as was he. Brought a tear to my eye.

If you see one documentary this year, make it 'Searching for Sugar Man'.