Swedish director Malik Bendjelloul’s debut feature documentary will have its world premiere as Opening Night Film of the World Cinema Documentary Competition at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival.

Protagonist Pictures has come on board for international sales for Searching For Sugar Man.

Produced by Simon Chinn and executive produced by John Battsek, Searching For Sugar Man tells the story of singer Rodriguez, who was discovered in a Detroit bar in the late 60s only to disappear into obscurity amid rumours of an onstage suicide after his album bombed. But he became a phenomenon in South Africa after a bootleg recording found its way into the country. The film follows two South African fans who set out to find out what really happened to their hero.

Protagonist Pictures will handle international sales, and will co-rep North American rights with Josh Braun of Submarine. 

Protagonist is also handling international sales on two other titles in Sundance - Bart Layton’s The Imposter, also executive produced by Simon Chinn and John Battsek, which is being sold in the US by Submarine and CAA and Lynn Shelton’s Your Sister’s Sister which has already sold to IFC for the US.

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