There’s a fascinating new documentary to check out: Soundtrack to a Coup D’etat, a film about jazz, (de)colonial history and activism.

A bravura cinematic exploration that plays like a thriller, intertwining the story of jazz with the history of colonial machinations in the Congo. Nina Simone and Louis Armstrong feature in this Sundance Award Winner.

If you’re in Lancaster, you can catch it at the Dukes on Sunday 1 and Sunday 8 December.

Or check out dates for screenings around the UK.

About the film:

“Johan Grimonprez’s involving film, anchored by the rhythm of American jazz, reveals disturbing truths about the de-colonial 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.”