What did take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the approximately seven-month period from the declaration of independence until the assassination of the country’s first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba? Belgian director and multimedia artist Johan Grimonprez’s Soundtrack to a Coup d’État, put together almost entirely of archival footage, examines the seven months that reveal the influence of the United States, Europe, and the United Nations held over the so-called “Congo Crisis.” The series of images, some familiar and some seen for the first time, flow on screen with astonishing speed, and despite the twoand-a-half-hour running time, the film never loses its rhythm.

Perhaps the most fascinating piece of information Grimonprez shares with the audience is the revelation that the United States sought to use jazz music as a propaganda tool and Black musicians as cultural ambassadors in order to shield Africa from Soviet influence in this period. Soundtrack to a Coup d’État, already recognized as a stellar work in postcolonial cinema, is a documentary that may well be watched as a gripping political thriller, keeping its audience constantly on the edge of their seats.

Sundance 2024

World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Cinematic Innovation