About this Event
VIP TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!
The DOUEN community screening is a gathering of Caribbean folklore, bringing a vibrant community together to celebrate a story inspired by Trinidad and Tobago folklore.This screening, open to the public, is a chance to reconnect with folklore, ancestry, and the power of storytelling. Following the screening, the cast and director will participate in a moderated Q&A with the audience. The screening is not just a film event—it is a bridge between generations, bringing folklore into the present and inviting vital conversations in the community.
FILM LOGLINE: Sania must confront her family's dark past and generational trauma when she becomes haunted by a supernatural Caribbean entity who force her to face her grandmother's vengeful curse.
ACCESSIBILITY:
All films include open captions and available headphone devices for closed audio description listening. Please make check-in staff aware of your needs.If ASL interpretation is needed, please email your request to by October 10, 2026.
TICKETS :
🎟️Tickets are limited and only available in advance — no ticket sales will be available at the door.General Admission tickets are available. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the festival distribution, and theatrical release efforts for DOUEN.
SPECIAL GUESTS & PROGRAM HOSTS
Special Guest: Alyscia Cunningham
Writer, Director & Executive Producer of DOUEN
Founder & Executive Director, Her House MediaAlyscia Cunningham is a documentary and horror writer, director, and executive producer of DOUEN, her debut feature film inspired by the folklore of Trinidad and Tobago. As a first-generation Trinidadian American filmmaker, Alyscia draws from Caribbean folklore, family stories, cultural memory, and lived experiences to explore the themes of generational trauma, healing, and ancestry.Alyscia will join the post-screening conversation to discuss the making of DOUEN, the inspiration behind the story, and bringing Caribbean folklore to the screen.
Emcee: Claudette Lindsay
Host of The Caribbean ExchangeClaudette Lindsay will serve as emcee for the evening, helping guide guests through the program and keeping the celebration moving from reception through screening.
Moderator: Dr. Cécile Accilien
Professor, University of Maryland, College ParkDr. Cécile Accilien is a Professor of French and Francophone Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, with research expertise in Afro-Caribbean Studies, Film Studies and Cultural Studies, and Haitian Studies. She will moderate the post-screening conversation with Alyscia and members of the DOUEN cast and creative team.
EVENT AGENDA:
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Private VIP Reception
(VIP ticket holders only)Join us for an exclusive pre-screening reception in the upper level of the AFI Silver Theatre. Enjoy Caribbean-inspired hors d'oeuvres, beverages, a curated VIP gift bag, and the opportunity to connect with the cast, crew, and special guests. Your VIP ticket also includes exclusive access to the immersive DOUEN Virtual Reality (VR) experience, available ONLY to VIP guests. Admission to the community screening of DOUEN is included.
5:30 PM
General Admission Check-In Begins
6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
DOUEN Community Screening + Post-Screening Q&A
*Emceed by Claudette Lindsay, Host of The Caribbean ExchangeModerated by Dr. Cécile Accilien, Professor at the University of Maryland, College ParkFeaturing DOUEN Writer, Director & Executive Producer Alyscia Cunningham and members of the cast and creative team.*Accessibility accommodations including open captions and audio description will be available during the screening.
ABOUT THE WRITER & DIRECTOR:Alyscia Cunningham is an award-winning Documentary and Horror Filmmaker, as well as a Psychological Thriller Screenwriter and Director specializing in impact-driven storytelling. Rooted in her Caribbean heritage, her work explores identity, culture, beauty, health, and the stories we inherit, often examining the space between what is seen and what is hidden. Beyond the supernatural, she delves into pressing contemporary issues surrounding women's beauty and health, creating powerful narratives of triumph over adversity. Her body of work stands as a testament to her passion for storytelling that enlightens, challenges, and inspires. Her impactful work and advocacy have been featured in prominent media outlets including The Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, The Washington Post, Fox 5, ABC 7, among others. about Alyscia.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
We are grateful to the sponsors and community partners helping make this special evening possible.
- Bringing Caribbean flavor to the experience with delicious finger foods for our VIP guests.
- Supporting the evening with folklore-themed cocktails and mocktails for VIP guests.
- Capturing photographs throughout the evening.
- Opening the evening with a beautiful steelpan melody.
DOUEN IS SUPPORTED IN PART BY:
Women In Film and Video
Maryland State Arts Council
Uprising Builders LLC
V-VFX
Esan the Producer
Hypno Soundsystem
Samori Coles
THANKS TO OUR IN-KIND SPONSORS:
Colorganics
Dental Herb
Kirk's
Boiron
UNABLE TO ATTEND, BUT WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT?
Consider donating a ticket or making a tax-deductible donation to DOUEN fiscal sponsor, .
Agenda
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:30 PM
VIP Reception Check-in
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM
Private VIP Reception
🕑: 05:30 PM
Door Open - General Admission
🕑: 06:00 PM
DOUEN Community Screening Begins (SHARP)
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:15 PM
DOUEN Q&A - Director and Cast
Host: Alyscia Cunningham
🕑: 08:15 PM
Event Ends
Event venue & nearby stays
AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.