For over five years, director Malik Bendjelloul was living on almost nothing but the dedication to finish the film he so passionately wanted to make. From having no money and no professional help, to walking away with two very prestigious awards at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, this really is a tale of rags to riches.

Swedish filmmaker Malik Benjelloul embarked upon a journey through South Africa, in search of the story behind musician Rodriguez and the “god like” status he held in South Africa during the 70s. With the help of  Stephen “Sugar” Segerman, Banjelloul travelled back to the 70s, when Rodriguez first launched his album Cold Fact in the US.

With no luck in selling his album, Rodriguez mysteriously vanished. Unbeknown to the rest of the world, the ears of many South Africans were being treated to the voice of Rodriguez and his sweet melodies. According to Segerman, Rodriguez was one of the biggest albums in his day. The only problem? No one knew who he was. Enter Benjelloul, who throughout the making of his documentary was able to solve the mystery of Rodrigeuz. No, he didn’t set himself alight on stage, and no he’s not dead. He is still very much alive, and still oozing the super cool aura that a 70s rock artist has.

Malik Bendjelloul has worked with names like Madonna and U2. However, he has never heard a better story than this, and critics agree. Bendjelloul’s documentary garnered the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Prize For Celebration Of Artistic Spirit, and the World Cinema Audience Award for Documentary at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

[Thanks, G-man!]