The Oscar-nominated "Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat"

birrtheatre

13 minutes ago2 min read

As the new year begins, Birr Theatre & Arts Centre is thrilled to unveil part 1 of its 2025 Film@BirrTheatre season, promising a captivating lineup of screenings that will warm your soul during the winter chill. From critically acclaimed dramas and thought-provoking documentaries to foreign language adventures and indie gems, this season's selection celebrates the power of storytelling on the big screen. Whether you're a film enthusiast or simply looking for a cozy night out, join us for an unforgettable cinematic journey that will inspire, entertain, and spark meaningful conversations.

This week, we travel to the 1960s Congo against the backdrop of the cold war when the US sends Black American musical icons, including Louis Armstrong and Nina Simone, to Africa as “jazz ambassadors”. These artists are unaware that they are being used to distract from a CIA-backed coup that will lead to the assassination of the Republic of the Congo’s first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba. In turn, these events prompt musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach to crash the U.N. security council in protest against Lumumba’s murder.

Interweaving an extensive range of archival footage, newsreels, testimonials and home movies, Johan Grimonprez’s originally electrifying and bold documentary explores the complex connections between music, politics and history during this important era of decolonisation. 'Soundtrack to a Coup d'État' has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary Feature category, announced by the Academy last Thursday.