Filmmaker Alyscia Cunningham Completed Feature Film Douen
The 95-minute PG-13 film will debut at a community screening in Silver Spring on Nov. 1.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Documentary
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Filmmaker Alyscia Cunningham has officially completed her feature film Douen, a production inspired by Trinidadian folklore. The project involved 45 performers and 68 crew members across filming locations in the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago.
Why it matters
The project represents a personal endeavor for Cunningham, who developed the screenplay over five years based on family stories. Its production relied on community-based financing through the crowdfunding platform Seed&Spark.
The production features a 95-minute runtime and is rated PG-13. It was created with a team of 45 performers and 68 crew members.
The players
Alyscia Cunningham
The filmmaker who wrote, directed, and produced Douen.
AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center
An arts institution in Silver Spring that will host the upcoming screening of the film.
The details
Filming occurred over seven days in the U.S. and two days in Trinidad and Tobago, utilizing locations such as a home in Gaithersburg, the Caribbean Market in Takoma Park, and The Towers in Bethesda. The film is now set for a public screening at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center.
Timeline
Development of the short film version occurred in 2020.
A proof of concept was filmed in 2025.
Production took place over seven days from March to May 2026.
The community screening is scheduled for Nov. 1, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This project reflects a broader movement in independent filmmaking where creators utilize digital crowdfunding platforms like Seed&Spark to maintain artistic autonomy. By sourcing talent and locations locally, Cunningham aligns with a trend of decentralized production outside the major Hollywood studio system.
Local audiences can view the completed film at the upcoming screening hosted at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. Tickets and attendance information for the Nov. 1 event are available through the venue.
The takeaway
Independent filmmakers are increasingly using long-term development phases and community-based funding to bring culturally inspired stories to the screen. Supporting local productions at neighborhood theaters helps sustain this collaborative model of filmmaking.
Further reading
Learn more about the local film landscape at the Documentary section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bethesda Magazine.
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