‘Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat’ Director: Our World’s Problems Go Well Beyond Trump and the Republicans

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The Oscar-nominated documentary titled “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat” presents a complex and non-traditional perspective, extending its criticism just as broadly as it breaks with conventional methods of presentation.

The same, it turns out, can be said of its director.

Johan Grimonprez’s film delves into the silencing of Patrice Lumumba, the inaugural prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by colonial forces, weaving together a narrative that includes jazz music, Nikita Khrushchev, the Black Power movement, and the turbulent United Nations.

As a gamer, I’m Grimonprez – a unique blend of passions and interests. I’m deeply engrossed in the realm of cultural theory, particularly when it comes to mass media and the chilling grip of fear. In the academic world, I’m known for my rapid-fire delivery, much like a fast-talking professor from the heart of Belgium. I can’t resist the allure of historical mysteries, often finding myself lost in the labyrinth of time. Now, I’ve traded the corporate jungle for the idyllic shores of Andros, where I’m living out my own utopian dream.

So, if THR were to join a Zoom call to discuss Grimonprez’s movie, they could expect a vibrant, thought-provoking, and meandering dialogue about how our existence is in peril.

Did you live in Bruges during the 1960s, a time shortly following Lumumba’s death? Was it something that you were conscious of, the colonial activities taking place in your nation at that time?

As a gamer, I never truly grasped the complexities of what was unfolding, or even gave it much thought – it felt like something happening beyond my realm. Yet, there were these collectible cards, reminiscent of sports memorabilia, featuring Leopold II and other Belgians associated with the Congo.

One day, a teacher from our school arrived with a golden molar, straight from the mouth of Lumumba! He had obtained it when the Katangan forces, who took Lumumba’s life, burned his corpse in acid as a macabre trophy and kept his gold teeth. That golden tooth, which once belonged to Lumumba, now resided in our teacher’s possession.

What did you come to think in making the film about the roots of colonialism?

In my view, the movie served as a learning experience for me. My previous film, titled “Shadow World,” delves into the global arms trade. The author, Chris Hedges, explains the concept of the corporatocracy and its role in waging wars. Essentially, there are three defense lobbyists for every two politicians in Washington, demonstrating a systemic issue. This system, or corporatocracy, is part of an extraction economy, where the aim is to extract as much as possible using one’s forces. This dynamic, unfortunately, has led us to our current predicament.

As a supporter, it seems to me that President Trump’s perspective on Greenland appears to be focused on asserting U.S. dominance over the country’s resources. To him, the 57,000 people of Greenland might just be an inconvenience in achieving this goal.

While it’s tempting to focus on specific figures like Biden or Trump, the underlying issue is systemic. As Jeremy Scahill of The Intercept points out, the use of drones for targeted killings under the Obama administration was akin to “Murder Inc.” This systemic approach to violence leads us down a path toward war when substantial investments are made in the defense industry.

The extractive economy, which treats people and nature as resources to be exploited, is another facet of this issue. To effect meaningful change, we must look beyond superficial differences and examine the root causes more closely. After all, we’re all interconnected with this system, and our well-being depends on its sustainable functioning.

What changes would you recommend?

Cultivating your own plants for food, while three major companies control around 60-70% of global seeds. This transformation makes food a corporate asset, which is an inappropriate linkage. However, there’s a community on the island of Sifnos nearby: They unite to manage their water resources. They advocate for the concept of shared resources, often referred to as ‘the commons’. Their well-being and success are not dependent on corporations.

Did Nikita Khrushchev’s shoe-banging incident at the U.N. mean something different than a threat against the U.S.? Instead, could it have been a call to dismantle the colonial system? Could our interpretation of the event be incorrect all along?

The translation was completely off-base, as it referred to colonialism. However, Khrushchev might have been a valuable partner – he managed to persuade China to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Yet, the establishment would prefer us to view him differently.

Originally published as the main feature in a special February edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine, you can access future issues by clicking here to subscribe.

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2025-02-08 21:25