Soundtrack to a Coup d’ Etat

Jazz and decolonization are entwined in this historical rollercoaster that rewrites the Cold War episode that led musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach to crash the UN Security Council in protest against the murder of Patrice Lumumba.

A passionate and propulsive documentary about the assassination of Patrice Lumumba spins its web in many directions.
Oct. 31, 2024 The New York Times

Superb study of how jazz got caught between the cold war and the CIA.Johan Grimonprez’s fascinating documentary uses the assassination of DRC prime minister Patrice Lumumba to launch a dizzying look into the politics of jazz in the 1950s and 60s.
Nov 16, 2024 The Guardian

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat’ on VOD, a Vibrant, Angry Documentary About Music Amidst Political Turmoil.Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat (now streaming on VOD platforms like Amazon Prime Video) commands you to lean in and pay attention and connect the dots of its story and, well, just summon the fortitude to hang with it.
13 Jan, 2025 Decider

"Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat" is Essential Viewing.One of the year's best and most essential documentaries is finally in theaters! Johan Grimonprez's Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat is 50% history lesson, 50% jazz concerto, and 100% political essay.
5 Nov, 2024 The Film Experience

Oscar Nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film

Cinematic Innovation, Sundance

Persistence of Vision, San Fransisco IFF

Best Writing, Best Editing, Best Archival, IDA

Audience Award, Thessaloniki IDFF

Doc Silver Star, El Gouna

Audience Award, Sofie IFF

Best Doc, Bergen IFF

Best Editing, Best Sound Design, Cinema Eye Honors

Best Musical Doc, Fipadoc

Best Belgian Doc, Docville

Best Doc, Montclair FF

Best Art Film Audience Award, Brussels Art FF

Best Music Doc, Grossman FF

Best Doc, African FF Hamburg

Best Music Doc, In-Edit Barcelona

Audience Award, In-Edit Chile

Best Editing, Mirage FF

Best Doc, The Ensor Award

Director: Johan Grimonprez

Editor: Rik Chaubet

Cinematographer: Jonathan Wannyn

Producer: Daan Milius