In November 2000, British explorer, John Blashford Snell, wishing to fulfill the desire of the Waiwai people for a keyboard instrument, transported a grand piano to their village deep in the rainforest of Guyana. Since then, the piano has remained largely unused in a corner of the village church. In May 2002, Guyanese filmmaker and cultural activist, Michael Gilkes, led a team including Guyanese international concert pianist, Ray Luck, piano technician, Remington Ally, and the Banyan crew to join the Waiwai in a concert of song and music.
With an engaging style that reflects the quiet observant reserve of the Waiwai, CONCERT IN THE RAINFOREST documents this opportunity grasped by fellow Guyanese to rehabilitate the instrument and integrate it more usefully into the musical life of the Waiwai.
Director: Christopher Laird
Trinidad & Tobago, 2002. 25 min.