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Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat
Johan Grimonprez’s involving film essay, anchored by the rhythm of American jazz, reveals disturbing truths about the decolonial struggle between global political powers.
Director: Johan Grimonprez
Overview
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.
violence, discrimination, sexual violence references, strong language
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