SILVER SPRING, Md. - Marylandian -- Award-winning independent filmmaker and Silver Spring native Alyscia Cunningham is inviting her community into her backyard—literally—for an unforgettable evening of film, music, and storytelling. On Saturday, July 19 from 6–10 p.m., Cunningham will host her second annual Backyard Mini Film Festival, featuring the screening of her proof-of-concept short film, DOUEN II, alongside two of her acclaimed horror/thriller shorts, SENSES and NEGRO MOUNTAIN.

"I hope viewers walk away understanding the importance of oral storytelling—especially within our cultural traditions," she explained. "Even though DOUEN II is a folklore horror, the deeper message is that these stories are fading with our elders. And while some may still exist in books, if we're not passing them down—scary or not—they'll become orally extinct."

This intimate outdoor screening is limited to 50 guests and offers more than just movies. Guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer (21+), and live R&B music by pianist Howard Feinstein. Tickets, which range from $50-$75 are available at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/backyard-mini-film-festival-round-2-tickets-1375130635749?aff=oddtdtcreator), with the private address shared upon purchase.

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DOUEN II, an 11-minute short, draws on Trinidadian folklore that shaped Cunningham's childhood. The story follows Sania, a young girl helping her aunt bake bread, who learns the eerie folktales she grew up hearing might hold terrifying truths.

"These stories weren't just meant to scare us," Cunningham explains. "They were warnings, lessons—cultural threads passed from one generation to the next. My hope is that this film inspires people to listen, to share, and to keep our stories alive."

The festival also features:

• Bonus screenings of SENSES and NEGRO MOUNTAIN
• Director Q&A with Cunningham and the lead cast
• Raffle prizes, including signed books and posters
• Recognition of attendees' names on her upcoming feature project page

Hosted by emcee Sadia Alao (filmmaker, writer & DOUEN II Assistant Director), the event supports Cunningham's next milestone: producing her first feature-length film, DOUEN, an expansion of the short screening that evening. She plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign on Seed & Spark to raise up to $150,000 for production. Donations can also be made through her fiscal sponsor, Women in Film & Video (https://www.wifv.org/donations/#id=32008&cid=783&wid=4201).

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"Even if you can't attend, you can still support," she notes. "Every ticket, donation, and share helps move this project forward. And if you've ever wanted to see your name on the big screen as a supporter of independent, Black, and Caribbean storytelling—now's your chance."

Stay up to date on Alyscia's latest projects by subscribing to her newsletter at www.alyscia.com/contact.