Soundtrack to a Coup d'État

Nov 21 2024 N/A NA
Documentary

Jazz and decolonization are intertwined in a powerful narrative that recounts one of the tensest episodes of the Cold War. In 1960, the UN became the stage for a political earthquake as the struggle for independence in the Congo put the world on high alert. The newly independent nation faced its first coup d'état, orchestrated by Western forces and Belgium, which were reluctant to relinquish control over their resource-rich former colony. The US tried to divert attention by sending jazz ambassador Louis Armstrong to the African continent. In 1961, Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba was brutally assassinated, silencing a key voice in the fight against colonialism; his death was facilitated by Belgian and CIA operatives. Musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach took action, denouncing imperialism and structural racism. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev intensified his criticism of the US, highlighting the racial barriers that characterized American society.

Official Trailer
Plot

Jazz and decolonization are entwined in this historical rollercoaster that rewrites the Cold War episode that led musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach to crash the UN Security Council in protest against the murder of Patrice Lumu...

Written by

Johan Grimonprez, Daan Milius

Directed by

Johan Grimonprez

Cast

Louis Armstrong, Malcolm X, Nina Simone

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

Netherlands, Belgium, France

Production Companies

Onomatopee Films, Warboys Films, Zap-O-Matik, ZKM Karlsruhe, BALDR, RTBF, VRT

Languages

English, Español, Français, Nederlands

Awards

9 wins & 24 nominations

Trailers
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat - Official Trailer
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat – Official Trailer
Featurettes
A Conversation with SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP D’ETAT Director and Writer Johan Grimonprez
Scores
# of Votes
3,573
Average Rating
7.8 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA