Mere hours after the news of the legendary H.R. Giger passing away, tragedy has struck once again in the world of film and cinema. Malik Bendjelloul, who recently won the Academy Award for Best Documentary at the 85th ceremony, was found dead in Stockholm. No cause of death is yet known, but according to Deadline, his death is not being treated as suspicious. One could speculate Malik Bendjelloul would have had a fantastic career in documentary – surely Searching for Sugar Man is proof of that – and it’s truly a shame to see such talent cut short.
Searching for Sugar Man was almost entirely composed from Bendjelloul’s hands; he wrote, directed, produced, edited and composed score for his documentary that instigated a personal search for reclusive musician Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, a legendary musical figure of myth from the 70s. Bendjelloul’s documentary earned him an array of awards alongside the Oscar, including the Audience Award at Sundance, accolades from DGA, PGA, WGA, BAFTA and the National Board of Review. His passing has undoubtedly come too soon, as he was only 36. Our thoughts go our to friends and family of Malik.
Originally published May 14, 2014. Updated April 12, 2018.
