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Highlights

Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024)

Movie
Audience Score
75
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat
NR 2 hr 30 minNov 1st, 2024History, Documentary, Music
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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.
StarringPatrice LumumbaLouis ArmstrongNikita Khrushchev
DirectorJohan Grimonprez
WriterJohan Grimonprez

Movie Details

Theatrical Release:November 1st, 2024
On Digital & Streaming:January 7th, 2025
Movie Box Office Gross:$311,457 (Worldwide)
Original Language:French
Production Companies:Onomatopee Films, Warboys Films, Zap-O-Matik, ZKM Karlsruhe, BALDR Film, RTBF, VRT
Movie Tags:
1960scold warcentral intelligence agency (cia)war crimesgenocidebelgiumcoup d'etatcongounited nationsdemocratic republic of the congo