Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat review: An illuminating dive into how Congolese independence was undermined

Using only archive material – footage, interview extracts, text references – Belgian writer-director Johan Grimonprez untangles the insidious moves to undermine Congolese independence, culminating with the 1961 assassination of prime minister Patrice Lumumba.

The world order was changing. Decolonialisation was upsetting older hierarchies long used to meddling with impunity when it came to the developing world's precious resources.

With its vast mineral wealth, Congo wasn't going to be let go without a fight. A CIA smokescreen was hit upon by sending unknowing jazz greats like Louis Armstrong to Africa under the pretence of cultural outreach.

Those with even a passing interest in the Cold War era must seek out this darkly illuminating Sundance-winner that achieves a resonance all its own. Featuring prominently is our own Conor Cruise O'Brien, a key UN envoy to Congo during that fraught period.

Five stars