Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat

Grimonprez’s film essay, anchored by the rhythm of American jazz, reveals disturbing truths about the decolonial struggle between global political powers.

Set during the final months of Patrice Lumumba’s life, Grimonprez’s film forensically investigates the incendiary politics of the nascent Democratic Republic of Congo in 1960. In doing so, the filmmaker draws fascinating connections between post-war jazz, US imperialism and the Pan-African decolonisation movement. Staccato beats and syncopation are the guiding principles of this hypnotic and harrowing film essay.