Douen Feature Film
Washington, District of Columbia | Film Feature
Horror, Other
Folklore isn’t just myth. It’s memory. DOUEN is a Caribbean horror story rooted in family, oral tradition, and the traumas we inherit. This is my first feature film, and a chance to keep our elders’ stories alive.
Douen Feature Film
Washington, District of Columbia | Film Feature
Horror, Other
3 Campaigns | Maryland, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $30,025 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
55 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Folklore isn’t just myth. It’s memory. DOUEN is a Caribbean horror story rooted in family, oral tradition, and the traumas we inherit. This is my first feature film, and a chance to keep our elders’ stories alive.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
UPDATE: Although this Seed&Spark campaign has officially ended, you can still support DOUEN by making a tax-deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor, Women in Film & Video:
https://www.wifv.org/donations/#id=32008&cid=783&wid=4201
If you would like an incentive from the original campaign to be honored, please reach out to me directly:
Thank you for your continued support!
Sania, a first-generation Trinidadian American, is haunted by supernatural forces after her aunt shares a chilling folklore tale, unearthing secrets buried deep within her family’s past.
The story unfolds, Sania senses something far more sinister at play. The air grows heavy, and the douen begin to manifest, dragging with them a dark family secret that has festered in silence for generations. What begins as a simple tale quickly spirals into a nightmarish revelation, as Sania uncovers a curse rooted in trauma, threatening their very existence.
Based on my proof-of-concept, DOUEN II, DOUEN is my first feature-length project. This isn’t just a horror film, it’s a reclamation of ancestral storytelling through a Caribbean-American perspective, bridging generations and cultures, and introducing an untold genre of Caribbean folklore horror to the big screen for the first time.
Though their presence in my film is not the entire story, the douen are the spark that ignites Sania’s journey. They are the supernatural trigger that forces her to unearth her family’s hidden history, confront generational trauma, and begin the path toward healing. In DOUEN, the folklore isn’t just background, it’s the bridge between the living, the dead, and the wounds carried across generations.
In Trinidad and Tobago folklore, the douen (also spelled dwen in Saint Lucian stories) is a mischievous, childlike spirit known for its haunting, unforgettable features (backward-facing feet and knees, and no face except for a mouth). Some tales describe them with fangs and glowing red eyes when angered, or wearing straw hats to hide their eerie appearance.
According to legend, douen are the spirits of children who died before being baptized, cursed to roam the earth forever. They are said to lure living children into the forest by calling their names in the voice of a parent or loved one, only to lead them astray.
As a filmmaker, I often explore women navigating complex personal circumstances—surviving with resilience. Whether through documentary or horror, my focus remains grounded in truth.
The main influences on my work as an artist were the narratives shared with me as a child. For that, I thank my parents. My father, an amazing storyteller and artist, filled my imagination with the eerie magic of Trinidadian folklore. Alongside these tales, both of my parents shared true stories of their childhood trauma and survival.
I didn’t realize it then, but these moments marked the beginning of my journey as both a documentarian and horror filmmaker. It may seem like an odd combination, but the stories I grew up with intertwined horror and resilience. Looking back, I realize how deeply those stories shaped me. Yes, they were scary, but they were also filled with wisdom, resilience, and unspoken history.
That’s what I want to bring to the screen.
Stories about women in difficult circumstances, including the horrifying and enduring, appeal to me as a woman because they represent that reality. At the core of DOUEN, this theme still serves as a guide for my artwork.
As our elders fade, so do their stories, traditions, and folklore that shaped generations. DOUEN is my way of breathing life back into Caribbean mythology—restoring memories for the older generation, sparking curiosity in the younger, opening conversations about our ancestral narratives, and honoring the past while creating space for future storytellers.
This film bridges generations and cultures. It creates representation where it's sorely lacking, especially in horror, where Caribbean voices and experiences are rarely seen or heard.
The truth is, we don’t always get apologies. Sometimes our ancestors pass without resolution. But we have the power to decide. Will we allow trauma to pass down, or will we break the generational curses?
Though rooted in Caribbean culture, DOUEN speaks to anyone who has wrestled with family history, cultural loss, and the choice to heal.
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT
We understand everyone may not be in a position to provide financial support, and that's okay! That said, here's other ways to support!
Instagram:
Facebook:
Linkedin:
SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!
Not sure what to say when you share? Feel free to copy and paste the below:
Support the making of DOUEN, a Caribbean folklore horror feature film by Writer & Director Alyscia Cunningham @alysciacunningham: https://seedandspark.com/fund/douen-feature-film#story
#indiefilm #douen #CaribbeanFolklore #CaribbeanHorrorStory #AlysciaCunningham #HerHouseMedia #SeedAndSpark #horrorfilm
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Actors
Costs $8,000
This supports our talented cast. Thank you for helping us honor their dedication and artistry.
Craft Services
Costs $5,500
20 days of filming = 20 days of keeping everyone fueled. Meals, snacks, and coffee (lots of coffee!) keep our cast and crew energized.
Gear Rental
Costs $4,000
Lights, camera… action! This covers the essential cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment to capture the vision.
Filming Location
Costs $2,500
We want the best production value possible, which means securing the right spaces to set the tone of the story.
Crew
Costs $10,000
From camera and sound to set design and wardrobe, our crew makes the story come alive. Every dollar helps us bring on skilled professionals
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer & Director
Alyscia Cunningham @alysciacunningham is an award-winning author, filmmaker, tactile artist, and photographer who has contributed to the Smithsonian, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and AOL. Her work focuses on women discovering their strengths and surviving challenging circumstances.
Alyscia is a first-generation American. She discovered that her passion for storytelling began when she was a young girl. Hearing stories from her Caribbean elders about their upbringing, challenges, scary folklore, and the obstacles they've overcome was the ignition to what she now creates in the documentary and narrative realms. Alyscia is the Founder of Her House Media™, a media company that produces documentary and horror films written and directed by women of color. She is a TEDx speaker, has been recognized as Forbes ‘The Next 1000, and is an award recipient of the American Express 100 for 100 Program. Learn more about Alyscia by visiting her website - www.Alyscia.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Assistant Director
Sadia Alao is a Washington, DC–bred writer, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work explores Black identity, mental health, and cultural autonomy. Her films and mini-shorts, including Black Girl Bitter, American Idol, and Africanah, examine Nigerian-American identity and Black womanhood in intimate, poetic ways. A recipient of early arts grants such as Vital Signs: Creative Arts for Black Lives, her storytelling is deeply shaped by personal narrative, family history, and ancestral memory. Inspired by the resilience of her grandmother and mother, Sadia channels that same determination into her creative practice. She previously had the honor of serving as 1st AD for the proof-of-concept short film Douen II and is excited to contribute to the making of the feature film. She has received the John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play, directed spoken-word and theater projects at Georgetown University, and develops original film and performance work through her platform, 301Girl Media. Her vision is to build multimedia storytelling platforms that uplift marginalized voices. View her work at sadiaalao.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Line Producer
Shannon R. Hammond (Producer, Production Manager, 1st Assistant Director) is a UK-born, New Jersey–based filmmaker with extensive experience across shorts, features, and large-scale productions. Her credits include the upcoming action-comedy feature Jingle All the Slay, the action thriller Breaking Cover featuring the work of award-winning cinematographer Andrzej Sekula (Pulp Fiction, American Psycho), and the psychological horror 100 Aker Wood. She has also producing the proof-of-concept dark comedy Freshers and the supernatural short Dancing with Death. Known for collaborating with established and emerging talent alike, Shannon brings a balance of creativity and precision to every project, managing budgets, schedules, and teams while championing bold stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Connect with Shannon:
Website | IMDb | Instagram
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Casting Director
Sarah Amoyaw is a Ghanaian-American Writer, Actress, Director, and Producer who was born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She received her undergraduate degree in Creative Writing from Towson University in 2018. In June of 2024, she graduated from the Stella Adler Studio of Acting Professional Conservatory program in New York City. She has since written and directed her first independent film titled Sound, and worked as an Associate Producer, Production Designer, Casting Director, and Production Assistant in over nine films, commercials, and web series local to the DMV. Check out her website.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Sponsor
Women in Film & Video (@WIFV) provides educational and networking opportunities for screen-based media makers, celebrates women’s creative and technical achievements in media, and advocates for parity both in front of and behind the camera to ensure that all voices can be heard.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit community benefit organization founded in 1979, WIFV is the premier professional resource for people who want successful media careers in the DC-metro region. All genres, genders, and experience levels are welcome. Our resources, connections and advocacy support a vibrant, creative media community.
WIFV is an affiliate of Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI), a global network of nearly 40 locations representing more than 12,000 media professionals worldwide, and WIFT-US, a collaboration among more than 20 women in film groups across the US. Located in one of the country’s leading non-fiction film production centers and at the center of federal, non-profit and non-governmental agencies, WIFV is uniquely positioned to offer its members unsurpassed continuing education offerings and connect them to professional opportunities across the globe.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
UPDATE: Although this Seed&Spark campaign has officially ended, you can still support DOUEN by making a tax-deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor, Women in Film & Video:
https://www.wifv.org/donations/#id=32008&cid=783&wid=4201
If you would like an incentive from the original campaign to be honored, please reach out to me directly:
Thank you for your continued support!
Sania, a first-generation Trinidadian American, is haunted by supernatural forces after her aunt shares a chilling folklore tale, unearthing secrets buried deep within her family’s past.
The story unfolds, Sania senses something far more sinister at play. The air grows heavy, and the douen begin to manifest, dragging with them a dark family secret that has festered in silence for generations. What begins as a simple tale quickly spirals into a nightmarish revelation, as Sania uncovers a curse rooted in trauma, threatening their very existence.
Based on my proof-of-concept, DOUEN II, DOUEN is my first feature-length project. This isn’t just a horror film, it’s a reclamation of ancestral storytelling through a Caribbean-American perspective, bridging generations and cultures, and introducing an untold genre of Caribbean folklore horror to the big screen for the first time.
Though their presence in my film is not the entire story, the douen are the spark that ignites Sania’s journey. They are the supernatural trigger that forces her to unearth her family’s hidden history, confront generational trauma, and begin the path toward healing. In DOUEN, the folklore isn’t just background, it’s the bridge between the living, the dead, and the wounds carried across generations.
In Trinidad and Tobago folklore, the douen (also spelled dwen in Saint Lucian stories) is a mischievous, childlike spirit known for its haunting, unforgettable features (backward-facing feet and knees, and no face except for a mouth). Some tales describe them with fangs and glowing red eyes when angered, or wearing straw hats to hide their eerie appearance.
According to legend, douen are the spirits of children who died before being baptized, cursed to roam the earth forever. They are said to lure living children into the forest by calling their names in the voice of a parent or loved one, only to lead them astray.
As a filmmaker, I often explore women navigating complex personal circumstances—surviving with resilience. Whether through documentary or horror, my focus remains grounded in truth.
The main influences on my work as an artist were the narratives shared with me as a child. For that, I thank my parents. My father, an amazing storyteller and artist, filled my imagination with the eerie magic of Trinidadian folklore. Alongside these tales, both of my parents shared true stories of their childhood trauma and survival.
I didn’t realize it then, but these moments marked the beginning of my journey as both a documentarian and horror filmmaker. It may seem like an odd combination, but the stories I grew up with intertwined horror and resilience. Looking back, I realize how deeply those stories shaped me. Yes, they were scary, but they were also filled with wisdom, resilience, and unspoken history.
That’s what I want to bring to the screen.
Stories about women in difficult circumstances, including the horrifying and enduring, appeal to me as a woman because they represent that reality. At the core of DOUEN, this theme still serves as a guide for my artwork.
As our elders fade, so do their stories, traditions, and folklore that shaped generations. DOUEN is my way of breathing life back into Caribbean mythology—restoring memories for the older generation, sparking curiosity in the younger, opening conversations about our ancestral narratives, and honoring the past while creating space for future storytellers.
This film bridges generations and cultures. It creates representation where it's sorely lacking, especially in horror, where Caribbean voices and experiences are rarely seen or heard.
The truth is, we don’t always get apologies. Sometimes our ancestors pass without resolution. But we have the power to decide. Will we allow trauma to pass down, or will we break the generational curses?
Though rooted in Caribbean culture, DOUEN speaks to anyone who has wrestled with family history, cultural loss, and the choice to heal.
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT
We understand everyone may not be in a position to provide financial support, and that's okay! That said, here's other ways to support!
Instagram:
Facebook:
Linkedin:
SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!
Not sure what to say when you share? Feel free to copy and paste the below:
Support the making of DOUEN, a Caribbean folklore horror feature film by Writer & Director Alyscia Cunningham @alysciacunningham: https://seedandspark.com/fund/douen-feature-film#story
#indiefilm #douen #CaribbeanFolklore #CaribbeanHorrorStory #AlysciaCunningham #HerHouseMedia #SeedAndSpark #horrorfilm
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Actors
Costs $8,000
This supports our talented cast. Thank you for helping us honor their dedication and artistry.
Craft Services
Costs $5,500
20 days of filming = 20 days of keeping everyone fueled. Meals, snacks, and coffee (lots of coffee!) keep our cast and crew energized.
Gear Rental
Costs $4,000
Lights, camera… action! This covers the essential cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment to capture the vision.
Filming Location
Costs $2,500
We want the best production value possible, which means securing the right spaces to set the tone of the story.
Crew
Costs $10,000
From camera and sound to set design and wardrobe, our crew makes the story come alive. Every dollar helps us bring on skilled professionals
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer & Director
Alyscia Cunningham @alysciacunningham is an award-winning author, filmmaker, tactile artist, and photographer who has contributed to the Smithsonian, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and AOL. Her work focuses on women discovering their strengths and surviving challenging circumstances.
Alyscia is a first-generation American. She discovered that her passion for storytelling began when she was a young girl. Hearing stories from her Caribbean elders about their upbringing, challenges, scary folklore, and the obstacles they've overcome was the ignition to what she now creates in the documentary and narrative realms. Alyscia is the Founder of Her House Media™, a media company that produces documentary and horror films written and directed by women of color. She is a TEDx speaker, has been recognized as Forbes ‘The Next 1000, and is an award recipient of the American Express 100 for 100 Program. Learn more about Alyscia by visiting her website - www.Alyscia.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Assistant Director
Sadia Alao is a Washington, DC–bred writer, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work explores Black identity, mental health, and cultural autonomy. Her films and mini-shorts, including Black Girl Bitter, American Idol, and Africanah, examine Nigerian-American identity and Black womanhood in intimate, poetic ways. A recipient of early arts grants such as Vital Signs: Creative Arts for Black Lives, her storytelling is deeply shaped by personal narrative, family history, and ancestral memory. Inspired by the resilience of her grandmother and mother, Sadia channels that same determination into her creative practice. She previously had the honor of serving as 1st AD for the proof-of-concept short film Douen II and is excited to contribute to the making of the feature film. She has received the John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play, directed spoken-word and theater projects at Georgetown University, and develops original film and performance work through her platform, 301Girl Media. Her vision is to build multimedia storytelling platforms that uplift marginalized voices. View her work at sadiaalao.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Line Producer
Shannon R. Hammond (Producer, Production Manager, 1st Assistant Director) is a UK-born, New Jersey–based filmmaker with extensive experience across shorts, features, and large-scale productions. Her credits include the upcoming action-comedy feature Jingle All the Slay, the action thriller Breaking Cover featuring the work of award-winning cinematographer Andrzej Sekula (Pulp Fiction, American Psycho), and the psychological horror 100 Aker Wood. She has also producing the proof-of-concept dark comedy Freshers and the supernatural short Dancing with Death. Known for collaborating with established and emerging talent alike, Shannon brings a balance of creativity and precision to every project, managing budgets, schedules, and teams while championing bold stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Connect with Shannon:
Website | IMDb | Instagram
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Casting Director
Sarah Amoyaw is a Ghanaian-American Writer, Actress, Director, and Producer who was born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She received her undergraduate degree in Creative Writing from Towson University in 2018. In June of 2024, she graduated from the Stella Adler Studio of Acting Professional Conservatory program in New York City. She has since written and directed her first independent film titled Sound, and worked as an Associate Producer, Production Designer, Casting Director, and Production Assistant in over nine films, commercials, and web series local to the DMV. Check out her website.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Sponsor