Sixto Rodriguez Album Cover, “Coming From Reality” 1971. Sussex Records

Swedish filmmaker Malik Bendjelloul’s new film, “Searching For Sugar Man,” explores the transformative journey of Mexican-American psychedelic folk-rocker Sixto Rodriguez—from a much-hyped musical flop as “the Dylan of Detroit,” to an anti-apartheid hero and venue-packing rock-legend in South Africa.

How does a lyricist some called a “prophet,” with such timeless, spellbinding lyrics not only flop completely, but vanish for decades? Did he know he was famous in South Africa—that he actually contributed to the collapse of apartheid? These questions lead two of his fans on a search for the man behind the music.

Rodriguez once seemed poised to conquer the rock market in the U.S., with high praise of his style and skill coming from all the right places.

Motown executive and so-called “Godfather of Black Music” Clarence Avant even said in an interview that “Bob Dylan is mild compared to this guy,” and this was at a time when Dylan was at his critical and commercial peak as an artist.

The names of his first two albums summarize Rodriguez’s life truth: “Cold Fact” and “Coming From Reality.”

Selling out every show in South Africa to thousands of fans is something Rodriguez never anticipated in his early years as a construction worker, and something still hard for him to believe—having spent most of his life in poverty. Even on a flight to the country that revered him and his music for years without his knowledge, his bewilderment and disbelief are evident.

The cinematography is thoughtfully and masterfully executed, with breathtaking South African and Detroit backgrounds that paint a vivid picture to compliment the music and lyrics of Rodriguez.

Bendjelloul does an amazing job of capturing the mystery that shadows the artist in innovative ways, such as the use of animation.
The film features interviews from Rodriguez’s three daughters, as well as legends like Dennis Coffey and Steve Rowland (who produced Rodriguez’s sophomore album) and other friends and musicians who have worked with him over the years.

Despite rumors he set himself on fire, or shot himself in the head, he is alive and well and gets to witness and indulge in much deserved fame late in life. But everything about Rodriguez, from the way he carries himself to his choice of words, suggests humility.

What legends like Rodriguez are made of is something that could not be captured in words—it has to be witnessed first hand, and “Searching for Sugar Man” gives us the opportunity to do that.