The Sheffield Doc/Fest will open June 13 with Sundance hit Searching For Sugar Man directed by Malik Bendjelloul.

The US-UK-Sweden co-production will have its European premiere in Sheffield, where it is something of a homecoming because the film had been pitched at Doc/Fest’s MeetMarket in 2008.

The documentary is about the Mexican-American singer-songwriter Rodriguez, who was hailed as a great artist before fading into oblivion. He was rediscovered by South African fans.

Rodriguez and Bendjelloul will attend the opening night event.

The film is produced by Simon Chinn and Bendjelloul and executive produced by John Battsek.

StudioCanal will release the film in the UK in August.

Hussain Currimbhoy, Sheffield Doc/Fest film programmer, said: “Searching for Sugar Man beautifully brings together themes of music, resistance and revolution – subjects we love at Doc/Fest. As a MeetMarket success story and made by a young filmmaker, we could not be prouder to set the tone for Doc/Fest with Malik’s inspirational film.”

The full Doc/Fest lineup will be announced May 10.