Soundtrack to a Coup d'État

Grimonprez's Academy Award-nominated film reveals the connections between post-war jazz, US imperialism and the Pan-African decolonisation movement. Set during the final months of Patrice Lumumba's life, the documentary forensically investigates the incendiary politics of the nascent Democratic Republic of Congo in 1960, revealing disturbing truths about the decolonial struggle between global political powers. Staccato beats and syncopation are the guiding principles of this hypnotic and harrowing film essay, anchored by the rhythm of American jazz.