Soundtrack to a Coup d’État: Juneteenth Screening

Join us at Poster House for a special Juneteenth screening of Soundtrack to a Coup d’État, a powerful documentary by Johan Grimonprez that explores the intersection of jazz, politics, and decolonization, focusing on jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Nina Simone in their roles as cultural ambassadors during the 1960s.

With a rich combination of archival footage, historical narrative, and unforgettable musical performances, the film reveals how these artists became unwitting players in the CIA’s plot to assassinate Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1960. The documentary highlights the important protests of powerful women like singer Abbey Lincoln and activist Andrée Blouin while probing the murky alliances between Western powers and the local forces behind the assassination.

Enjoy complimentary small bites and refreshments while watching this compelling and thought-provoking film.

Accessibility Note: Masks and clear masks are available free of charge at the museum. Assistive listening devices and stools are available. ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or a CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) is also available upon request. Please contact access@posterhouse.org or (914) 295-2387 to request interpretation services and to address any other accessibility needs. For other event-related questions, please contact info@posterhouse.org.