Taking you from 70s Detroit to Cape Town and back again in just under 90 minutes, Searching For Sugar Man is a film for music-lovers, movie-lovers, mystery nuts and even true crime fans. But before you embark on your search for the man himself, check out everything you need to know to ensure you have the best chance of finding him.

It features one of the most intriguing true stories ever put on film

After producing two critically acclaimed albums in the early 70s, singer-songwriter Sixto Rodriguez seemingly disappeared. As the years went by, rumours swirled as to what had become of him. Some said he set himself alight on stage after playing one final gig. Others said he had given up on music and moved far way.

The mystery deepened when the two records went on to top charts across South Africa years later, propelling Rodriguez into the limelight like never before. Such was his success that two friends felt compelled to unearth the truth behind the legend.

The soundtrack is as catchy as it is brilliant

As well as featuring the hits that brought Rodriguez fame and fortune, director Malik Bendjelloul’s documentary also explores key figures in the music industry at the time. From legendary studio musician Dennis Coffey to the myriad producers who worked with Rodriguez, the film provides a fascinating glimpse into the heroes and villains of the music industry.

It was a labour of love for the director

And boy does it show. Bendjelloul’s passion and interest in the film’s subject matter – borne from a brief encounter in South Africa when he was a young man – is plain to see. In fact, when the shoestring filming budget dried up Bendjelloul elected to shoot the remaining footage on an iPhone to ensure the project was completed. It was well worth the effort – he went on to bag the Academy Award for best documentary!

It’ll stick with you long after the credits roll

Unless you grew up in South Africa in the 70s (or have had the pleasure of seeing this film before), there’s a chance this may be the most unbelievable true story you’ve never heard of. The premise alone poses an intriguing sequence of events that is almost too good to be true, and Bendjelloul’s carefully constructed narrative perfectly blends a brilliant cast of characters with the music that made Rodriguez famous.