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Photo courtesy Kanopy/Kino Lorber

Photo courtesy Glowbal Restaurant

Our City Richmond

By Jim Gordon and Leeta Liepins

Published 12:33 PST, Fri February 14, 2025

Spotlight on a new movie, Valentine cocktail, an annual event

THE VIEW #1 – Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat

From Belgian filmmaker, Johan Grimonprez, comes a fascinating documentary called Soundtrack to a
Coup d’Etat, the moment when African politics and American jazz collided. The setting is Congo, 1960, as its people, led by the charismatic Patrice Lumumba, fight to remove the shackles of colonialism and gain independence from the Belgian Government. The Belgians seem willing, while behind the scenes, they plot to make sure independence fails by locking up the country’s richest resources, and of course doing everything they can to discredit Lumumba. And what of the Americans and their interests? The CIA covertly plan a coup. While the State Department sends jazz legend, Louis Armstrong, to Congo on a goodwill tour, which is meant to distract from what is really going on. At the United Nations, other jazz greats, Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach, crash the Security Council to protest the West’s criminal meddling in Congo and Lumumba’s new government. Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat has such depth of research—with eyewitness accounts, official government memos, testimonies from mercenaries and CIA operatives, speeches from Lumumba himself, and a “who’s who” of jazz icons. Watching this film, which has received numerous award nominations, including Best Documentary and Best Music Documentary from Critic’s Choice Awards, and, most recently, an Academy Award nominations for Best Feature Documentary, you can’t help but feel how relevant it is in today’s geopolitical climate. In theatres now and for home viewing this Spring. filmswelike.com

THE SIP – BEAUTY & THE BEAST

February 14 is the big day to show your love to that special person, as well as family and friends. But why not offer a cocktail that you can enjoy every other day in this winter month. For that, we turn once again to one of our “cocktail experts”, Glowbal Restaurant’s Beverage Director, Martin Kovalcik, with a request for another cocktail creation that’s delicious to sip and easy to make at home. His offering this time is a cocktail called Beauty & the Beast. “Valentine’s Day is all about love, romance and creating unforgettable moments,” Kovalcik says warmly as he mixes our cocktails, “and what better way to elevate the occasion than with a cocktail that combines exquisite taste and a touch of magic—whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or even indulging in some self-love!” As we enjoy Kovalcik’s latest creation, we both agree he and his team have created another cocktail winner. And as mentioned, the good news is you can enjoy Beauty & the Beast throughout the month of February at Glowbal Restaurant. What’s in this signature cocktail? It blends gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, raspberry sorbet, and a hint of rose water to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. glowbalgroup.com

THE EVENT – The Vancouver International Wine Festival

It has been part of Our City Tonight’s filming schedule for the last 10 years, something we always look forward to showcasing for our TV viewers: the Vancouver International Wine Festival. From February 22 to March 2, wine lovers from all over BC and the world will be gathering in Vancouver to enjoy one of the biggest and oldest wine events. The year is the 46th edition and the theme is West Coast U.S. wines, including wineries from California, Oregon, Washington and BC. In total, the festival will feature 121 wineries from 15 countries at 43 events—including a gala dinner, an auction, wine seminars, trade events, as well as food and wine pairing affairs at top Vancouver restaurants and
hotels. Fundraising is also a key element. Since 1979, the festival has raised $10.2 million for the performing arts in Vancouver, and since September 2012, the charitable partner has been Bard on the Beach Theatre Society. Over the past ten years, the festival has raised $2.2 million for Bard. More info at vanwinefest.ca