Soundtrack to a Complicit Silence
Briefly

'Soundtrack to a Coup d'État' by Johan Grimonprez explores the historical narrative of Congo’s first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, who was overthrown in a coup. While the film’s artistry captivates audiences through its brilliant editing, nonlinear storytelling, and jazz infusion, it simultaneously serves as a poignant warning about the continued suffering of the Congolese. The author underscores a profound sense of urgency for viewers to not only acknowledge this past but to actively listen to the pain that persists in the present, highlighting the dissonance between audience engagement and actual action.
Johan Grimonprez's 'Soundtrack to a Coup d'État' unearths painful truths about Congo's history while lamenting the public's indifference towards ongoing suffering.
The film juxtaposes jazz with the narrative of Lumumba's overthrow, beautifully crafted yet serves as a stark reminder that silence still prevails.
Read at The Nation
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