Having won best documentary at this year’s Oscars, Searching for Sugar Man has been captivating audiences with its heartwarming true story.
Hoping to show this documentary’s power to a wider audience, REACT to Film will be screening the film on campus through the College Action Network.
“I think it will not only be incredible but also demonstrates how one person can influence and inspire a movement and the people involved,” said Caitlin Stone, president of REACT to Film and a junior studying video production.
REACT to Film will be simultaneouslyscreening this award-winning documentary on campuses across the country. This will be done in order to create a larger conversation and appreciation of the film across campuses and social media, said Dahlia Graham, director of educational programming for REACT to Film.
“I hope the students get inspired from this film,” said Meghann Foss, REACT to Film promoter and a junior studying applied nutrition. “I hope they realize all it takes is one person to make a change, and most likely there are other people out there who are passionate about the same idea.”
Directed by Malik Bendjelloul, Searching for Sugar Man tells the story of Rodriguez, a Bob Dylan-type folk singer/songwriter who failed to make an impact in the U.S. during the early 1970s. Disappeared and presumed to be dead, it is revealed that Rodriguez is a renowned musician in South Africa, bigger than even The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, unbeknownst to those who knew him.
“The story of Rodriguez is enigmatic, intriguing, and energizing,” said Graham. “Just go see the film, and you'll totally fall in love with the story, and the music.”
Stone said the Ohio University chapter of REACT to Film has three goals in mind with this screening: to expose people to the power of music on a global impact, to engage audiences about music and society, and to ultimately inspire people about making a positive change in both their lives and those around them.
Stone and REACT to Film will return next year on campus in order to continue showcasing important documentaries to students. They hope, however, to have the availability to explore their reach a little farther in the future.
“I'm looking forward to great new documentaries, and I'm hoping to book better venues and have bigger turnouts,” said Stone. “Hopefully, we will be able to host the screenings in Baker Theater or maybe even the Athena.”
If You Go Box
What: Searching for Sugar Man Screening
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Siegfred 401
Admission: Free
wa054010@ohiou.edu
