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Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat Movie (2024): Where to watch and stream online

Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat

DocumentaryMusic History

2024, Movie, 2h 30min

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.

"Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat" — documentary, music and history movie produced in France, Netherlands and Belgium and released in 2024. It has a great rating on IMDb: 7.8 stars out of 10. It is a feature-length film with a runtime of 2h 30min. "Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat" is currently available for rent and to buy on Apple TV Store, Amazon Store and Fandango at Home. Click on a playlink to watch it now!

Country: France,Netherlands,Belgium

Director:

Johan Grimonprez

Cast:

Fidel Castro,

Louis Armstrong,

Dwight D. Eisenhower,

Nikita Khrushchev

Reviews

Critic Greg Nussen

rated

...the film more loosely stitches together a variety of media to fashion a stunning screed against colonial racism and state-sanctioned violence that reaches far beyond the years it directly covers.

Read full review at Slant Magazine

Critic Peter Bradshaw

rated

...finger-popping theory of the conspiracy to kill Congo’s leader.

Read full review at The Guardian

Critic Phil Concannon

rated

...explores the circumstances that led two American jazz musicians to crash the UN Security Council in protest against the murder of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba.

Read full review at Little White Lies

Critic Kimberley Jones

rated

...details with the twistiness of a real-life spy thriller, there were plenty others who wanted Lumumba dead.

Read full review at The Austin Chronicle

Critic Robert Daniels

rated

It tells viewers how industrialist countries, primarily in the West, are still picking the bones of a broken promise decades later.

Read full review at Roger Ebert

Critic Eva Af Geijerstam

rated

Fängslande om jazzmusikerna som spelade när Kongo blev självständigt.

Read full review at Dagens Nyheter

Frequently asked questions

What is Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat about? Toggle content

Against the backdrop of Cold War tensions and racial inequality, two jazz musicians boldly take center stage at the United Nations. Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach's performance sparks a global conversation about freedom and equality, while world leaders engage in a heated debate. With the eyes of the world upon them, the United States sends Louis Armstrong to the Congo to promote peace and distract from a nascent coup. At the intersection of music, politics, and social justice, Soundtrack to a Coup d'État sheds light on a pivotal moment in history that continues to resonate today.

Where can I stream Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat? Toggle content

You can stream Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat on: Apple TV Store Amazon Store Fandango at Home