STOCKHOLM — Malik Bendjelloul, the Swedish director of the acclaimed “Searching for Sugar Man” documentary, was widely known for his enthusiasm, kindness and high spirits, so the news Wednesday that he had taken his own life shocked colleagues around the world.

Bendjelloul’s brother Johar Bendjelloul confirmed to The Associated Press that his 36-year-old younger brother committed suicide Tuesday. He told daily Aftonbladet that his brother had struggled with depression for a short period.