I knew it was only a matter of time before someone without the creativity… or the cultural connection, would find it too tempting to resist doing what colonizers have done for centuries: take.

A filmmaker friend recently let me know that a project titled DOUEN is listed as “In Development” on IMDb. Same name. Same entity. But here’s the thing: it has nothing to do with Caribbean culture, and although it isn’t being written or directed by anyone from the Caribbean diaspora, it’s unfortunately not surprising that a brown face is being put on the front line to make it appear authentic.

Sadly, this isn’t new. Too often, Black and Brown filmmakers like myself are preyed upon, with the assumption that we won’t secure the funding to bring our projects to life. What struck me most here was learning this filmmaker may be connected to a past mentor. Someone who once positioned themselves as a supporter of women of color in film and knew about my plans for this feature.

But here’s the truth: no matter how hard someone tries to copy, they will never capture our stories. They aren’t theirs to tell.

So what should I do when someone tries to take my film idea? I do what I’ve always done… I keep going. I keep pushing.

And that’s exactly what I’m doing.

And on Thursday, October 9th, I’ll be celebrating that launch at Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, VA with a special screening and fundraiser. Huge thanks to Port City for hosting! RSVP here.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Although October 8th is just 27 days away, your early, tax-deductible donations will help bring this film to the screen and ensure our stories are told by us.

Onward and upward, always.

Peace & Blessings,

Alyscia Cunningham