DOUEN II - A Caribbean Horror Short
Washington, District of Columbia | Film Short
Horror, Thriller
Stories and folklore are fading with the elders. My goal is to give birth to one of the stories with the production of DOUEN II.
DOUEN II - A Caribbean Horror Short
Washington, District of Columbia | Film Short
Horror, Thriller
2 Campaigns | Maryland, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $6,745 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
88 supporters | followers
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Stories and folklore are fading with the elders. My goal is to give birth to one of the stories with the production of DOUEN II.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
UPDATE:
Thank you for your incredible support so far on the journey of DOUEN II! We’re moving closer to our goal, and you can still make a difference. By donating directly through our fiscal sponsor, Women in Film & Video (WIFV), your contribution will be tax-deductible, helping us cover key post-production and distribution expenses. Make a tax-deductible donation here on WIFV's site (https://www.wifv.org/donations/#id=32008&cid=783&wid=4201) -- thank you for your continued support of DOUEN II!
DOUEN II is a short film, but it is a proof of concept for the feature script. My goal is to produce the short in order to have it as proof of the larger-scale project, which will in turn give me the platform to raise funding for my first feature film.
As much as I've enjoyed the process of creating short-form content in various roles (writer, director, producer), DOUEN II is a pivotal moment in my expansion into feature film. This will be a chance for me to take the experience I’ve gained, from the concept to the creation of six films, and create my first feature based on the proof of concept.
Also, interweaving my culture allows me the opportunity to bridge Caribbean-American audiences in varying generations.
Logline:
A Trinidadian aunty tells her niece a scary folklore, but things take an odd turn when beings suddenly appear, signaling a glimpse warning of the threat to come.
Known for having backwards-facing feet and no distinguishable facial features except for a mouth, douen, an entity from Trinidad and Tobago folklore, are said to be children who died before being baptized and forced to roam the earth as mischievous spirits. However, the younger generation hears the stories from the elderly, who know them. Sania assists her aunt Sybil in making traditional Trinidadian bread while she tells the story of these spirits' creation. As the Imps emerge throughout the narrative, Sania realizes that something is strange. She quickly finds that her visions are warnings of horrible encounters that are yet to come.
The main influences on my work as an artist were the narratives that were shared with me as a child. For that, I thank my parents. My father, who is an amazing storyteller and artist, shared all of the scary Trinidadian folklore with me and my brothers. Alongside these tales, both of my parents shared true stories of their childhood trauma and their survival.
I didn't know it then, but it was the beginning of my journey as a documentarian and horror filmmaker. It may seem like an odd combination, but looking back, the stories my parents shared with me combined both horror and true resilience.
Because I am a woman, I realized the stories I create are relative to that experience and encompass women surviving challenging circumstances, including horrific encounters. This theme is evident as I continue to evolve my artistry. It is also evident within the core mission of IMPS.
Unfortunately, as the elders are fading, so are their stories, traditions, and folklore. My main goal with the production of DOUEN II is to bring life to Caribbean folklore with the aspiration of restoring memories within the older generation and sparking a new understanding within the younger generation.
A FEW WELL-KNOWN TRINIDADIAN FOLKLORE:
WHY ARE YOU FUNDRAISING?
We need your support to help cover the production expenses. This includes:
- Gear equipment
- Craft services
- Production Insurance
- Filming location
- Cost for the actors
- Props & Wardrobe
If we exceed our fundraising goal, the remaining funds will cover post-production and distribution expenses, including submissions to film festivals.
THE CHARACTERS
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT
We understand everyone may not be in a position to provide financial support. That said, here's other ways to support!
Instagram:
Facebook:
Linkedin:
Not sure what to say when you share? Feel free to copy and paste the below:
Support the making of a Caribbean horror short film, by Writer & Director Alyscia Cunningham @alysciacunningham http://seedandspark.com/fund/douen2 #support #Caribbean #alysciacunningham #fundraiser #film #movie #indiefilm #seedandspark
OR
Looking to support an independent Caribbean horror film? Check out DOUEN 2, a horror-thriller short written and directed by @alysciacunningham, based on a Trinidad & Tobago folklore. Support the campaign here: http://seedandspark.com/fund/douen2
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Props & Wardrobe
Costs $700
Help us stage the production, from the house to wardrobe selection.
Actors
Costs $1,000
This is for the support of our amazing actors. Thank you for supporting them.
Moko Jumbie
Costs $500
Here's to the stilt walker (aka Moko Jumbie). She brings all things moko with her! Thank you for your support!
Craft Services
Costs $1,000
The cast/crew won't be able to function on an empty stomach. Would you be so kind to help us for 3 days of filming?
Filming Location
Costs $300
We want to bring the best production value. Can you help us with the filming location?
Production Insurance
Costs $1,000
We can't get away with not having insurance. Can you help us out?
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.
Director of Photography
Sed Gary @dreamstory.prod is a versatile cinematographer and unit still photographer, rooted in the dynamic landscape of Maryland. His expertise extends across the realms of stills and motion work, a testament to his unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional visual narratives. Sed has cultivated a wealth of experience through diverse roles on various film sets, showcasing his adaptability and proficiency. As the founder of Dream Story Productions, LLC in 2010, Sed has propelled his company to excellence, particularly in the realms of production, film stills, and impactful brand campaigns.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
UPDATE:
Thank you for your incredible support so far on the journey of DOUEN II! We’re moving closer to our goal, and you can still make a difference. By donating directly through our fiscal sponsor, Women in Film & Video (WIFV), your contribution will be tax-deductible, helping us cover key post-production and distribution expenses. Make a tax-deductible donation here on WIFV's site (https://www.wifv.org/donations/#id=32008&cid=783&wid=4201) -- thank you for your continued support of DOUEN II!
DOUEN II is a short film, but it is a proof of concept for the feature script. My goal is to produce the short in order to have it as proof of the larger-scale project, which will in turn give me the platform to raise funding for my first feature film.
As much as I've enjoyed the process of creating short-form content in various roles (writer, director, producer), DOUEN II is a pivotal moment in my expansion into feature film. This will be a chance for me to take the experience I’ve gained, from the concept to the creation of six films, and create my first feature based on the proof of concept.
Also, interweaving my culture allows me the opportunity to bridge Caribbean-American audiences in varying generations.
Logline:
A Trinidadian aunty tells her niece a scary folklore, but things take an odd turn when beings suddenly appear, signaling a glimpse warning of the threat to come.
Known for having backwards-facing feet and no distinguishable facial features except for a mouth, douen, an entity from Trinidad and Tobago folklore, are said to be children who died before being baptized and forced to roam the earth as mischievous spirits. However, the younger generation hears the stories from the elderly, who know them. Sania assists her aunt Sybil in making traditional Trinidadian bread while she tells the story of these spirits' creation. As the Imps emerge throughout the narrative, Sania realizes that something is strange. She quickly finds that her visions are warnings of horrible encounters that are yet to come.
The main influences on my work as an artist were the narratives that were shared with me as a child. For that, I thank my parents. My father, who is an amazing storyteller and artist, shared all of the scary Trinidadian folklore with me and my brothers. Alongside these tales, both of my parents shared true stories of their childhood trauma and their survival.
I didn't know it then, but it was the beginning of my journey as a documentarian and horror filmmaker. It may seem like an odd combination, but looking back, the stories my parents shared with me combined both horror and true resilience.
Because I am a woman, I realized the stories I create are relative to that experience and encompass women surviving challenging circumstances, including horrific encounters. This theme is evident as I continue to evolve my artistry. It is also evident within the core mission of IMPS.
Unfortunately, as the elders are fading, so are their stories, traditions, and folklore. My main goal with the production of DOUEN II is to bring life to Caribbean folklore with the aspiration of restoring memories within the older generation and sparking a new understanding within the younger generation.
A FEW WELL-KNOWN TRINIDADIAN FOLKLORE:
WHY ARE YOU FUNDRAISING?
We need your support to help cover the production expenses. This includes:
- Gear equipment
- Craft services
- Production Insurance
- Filming location
- Cost for the actors
- Props & Wardrobe
If we exceed our fundraising goal, the remaining funds will cover post-production and distribution expenses, including submissions to film festivals.
THE CHARACTERS
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT
We understand everyone may not be in a position to provide financial support. That said, here's other ways to support!
Instagram:
Facebook:
Linkedin:
Not sure what to say when you share? Feel free to copy and paste the below:
Support the making of a Caribbean horror short film, by Writer & Director Alyscia Cunningham @alysciacunningham http://seedandspark.com/fund/douen2 #support #Caribbean #alysciacunningham #fundraiser #film #movie #indiefilm #seedandspark
OR
Looking to support an independent Caribbean horror film? Check out DOUEN 2, a horror-thriller short written and directed by @alysciacunningham, based on a Trinidad & Tobago folklore. Support the campaign here: http://seedandspark.com/fund/douen2
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Props & Wardrobe
Costs $700
Help us stage the production, from the house to wardrobe selection.
Actors
Costs $1,000
This is for the support of our amazing actors. Thank you for supporting them.
Moko Jumbie
Costs $500
Here's to the stilt walker (aka Moko Jumbie). She brings all things moko with her! Thank you for your support!
Craft Services
Costs $1,000
The cast/crew won't be able to function on an empty stomach. Would you be so kind to help us for 3 days of filming?
Filming Location
Costs $300
We want to bring the best production value. Can you help us with the filming location?
Production Insurance
Costs $1,000
We can't get away with not having insurance. Can you help us out?
Share this update!