In the midst of performances, planning and conceptualising its 2011 artistic ventures, rapso super group 3Canal made an appearance in the new Trinbago film, Seventeen Colours and a Sitar. The renowned trio of Wendell Manwarren, Roger Roberts, and Stanton Kewley expressed joy at being a part of this new film endeavour, which also features visual arts phenomenon Rex Dixon and Trinidad's celebrated sitarist Mungal Patasar. At the recent opening of Dixon's art gallery exhibition the three "rapsonians" praised the work of their directors, co-stars and all involved for their unique film experience. Roberts, who admitted to not having much exposure to painting outside of using paint for J'ouvert festivities, was glad to have been given an opportunity to tap into another side of his creativity and to experiment with the paint.
Manwarren said he enjoyed seeing his bandmates become imaginative with the paint, and to be able to share this with them. "Coming from the theatre where everything is scripted and we have to adopt a character, this experience was different and challenging at the same time. It was amazing to see what the paint brought out of us and where it led us." The scene shared by 3 Canal and Rex Dixon evoked an organic occurrence where the worlds of music and painting collided in a harmonious and natural manner. In addition to their newfound knowledge, abilities and appreciation for painting, 3Canal believes the film will stand out based on its content, as well as its intent, and due to the fact that it possesses an uncommon yet distinctive theme and approach.
3Canal is currently making a statement with the Music Liberation Front initiative, which is a vehicle and a platform for the promotion and proliferation of T&T's indigenous musical expression. Group member Stanton Kewley said, "We as a nation need to liberate the arts by supporting our own productions whether it may music or film. Free the arts!" The film Seventeen Colours and a Sitar is part of the 2010 Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, and will air on October 1 at 3 pm at MovieTowne in Port of Spain, and at 4 pm at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine.