One of the most acclaimed and original documentaries of the year, Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat explores the events leading to the assassination of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba in 1961. Featuring jazz legends Nina Simone and Louis Armstrong, it intertwines political intrigue with cultural vibrancy, highlighting the era's intense emotions.
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat
Director
Runtime
150 Minutes
Country
Belgium, France, Netherlands
Classification
Unclassified 15+
“It’s a remarkable film … crackling with energy, ideas and formal daring.” (Screen International)
One of the most highly acclaimed and original documentaries of the year, delving into the events leading to the 1961 assassination of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba. Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat masterfully intertwines political intrigue with the vibrant cultural backdrop of the time. Featuring the music of jazz legends including Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane, the soundtrack underscores the era's intense emotions and aspirations.
As the Congo gained its independence, this monumental shift faced fierce opposition from Belgian authorities and other global powers, leading to Lumumba's tragic assassination. Sharp archival footage offers a visceral glimpse into this horrible chapter. Key moments include Malcolm X's meeting with Fidel Castro, Louis Armstrong's tour of Congo, and the aftermath of Lumumba's murder, with Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach's powerful protest at the UN Security Council. Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat exposes the malevolent forces of colonisation and resonates with contemporary relevance, reflecting on the enduring struggles for justice and autonomy.
“What Grimonprez creates here is a mind-blowingly rich tapestry of research, music, and the jazziest history lesson imaginable, with freewheeling beats and riffs echoing into today with urgent purpose.”
Harper's Bazaar
“Watching the doc evokes the same intellectual and visceral feeling one gets from reading a dense work of nonfiction, complete with a thick annotated bibliography.”
RogerEbert.com
“The film is a stunning screed against colonial racism and state-sanctioned violence.”
Slant Magazine
Play Trailer
Film Credits
Director
Johan Grimonprez
Year
2024
Country
Belgium, France & Netherlands
Language
English, French, Russian & Dutch
Subtitles
English
Type
Documentary & Feature
Program Strand
World Documentary
Producer
Daan Milius & Rémi Grellety
Writer
Johan Grimonprez
Cinematographer
Jonathan Wannyn
Editor
Rik Chaubet
Film Source
Madman Entertainment
Genre
Documentary, Music & Politics
Purchase Tickets
Saturday 26 Oct 2024
04:00 pm
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat
Odeon Star Semaphore:
Odeon Star Semaphore Cinema 1
Saturday 2 Nov 2024
06:30 pm
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat
The Piccadilly:
The Piccadilly: Cinema 2
More to see...
Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger
A compelling love letter to cinema, this documentary charts the careers of the quintessentially British directorial duo Powell and Pressburger. Filled with previously unseen archival footage, Made in England is also a moving portrait of its narrator Martin Scorsese, and a heartfelt account of his love of these films.
The Pool
The Pool, directed by Ian Darling, explores the world’s most photographed pool, Bondi Icebergs. This film beautifully captures the lives of those who gather there, revealing how this iconic space fosters a deep sense of community, connection, and belonging. A visually stunning tribute to the power of shared experiences.
Black Box Diaries
An audacious documentary weaving together secret recordings and first-person perspective, Black Box Diaries follows Japanese journalist/filmmaker, Shirio Itō, after her allegations of sexual assault are dismissed by Japanese authorities. Refusing to stay silent, Itō writes a tell-all memoir and turns the camera on herself as she investigates her own case.