Screenwriting : Aspiring Screenwriter from Burundi – Developing My First Supernatural Horror Feature by Don Dushime

Hey Don Dushime great to hear from you! What inspired you to write THE HOUSE OF MORGANA?

Hi Pat,

Thank you for asking. I was inspired to write THE HOUSE OF MORGANA because I’ve always been fascinated by supernatural horror, mystery, and stories that create a feeling of fear and uncertainty.

I wanted to create a story about a group of university students who become trapped in a mysterious forest and discover a house connected to a terrifying supernatural secret. I was especially interested in exploring how fear, isolation, and the unknown can affect the characters and their relationships.

This is my first feature screenplay, and I’m still learning and developing my craft. I hope to make THE HOUSE OF MORGANA into a strong supernatural horror story with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists.

I really appreciate your interest in the project.

Best,

Don Miguel Dushime

Writer – THE HOUSE OF MORGANA

Very cool - thanks for sharing more!

Thank you, Pat! I really appreciate your interest in THE HOUSE OF MORGANA. I’m excited to continue developing the project and learning from the Stage 32 community.

I would be interested to understand why you chose this dark genre, because so many others do, what is different about your take and story?

Hi David,

Thank you for the thoughtful question. I chose supernatural horror because I’m fascinated by mystery, fear, and the unknown, but I also wanted to approach the genre through a mystery that slowly reveals itself rather than relying only on scares.

What I want to make different about THE HOUSE OF MORGANA is the connection between the house, the photograph, the strange music, the security camera, and the students’ deaths. The photograph becomes part of the mystery itself: as the students die, something changes in the photograph, creating a visual connection between the characters and the supernatural force controlling the house.

I also wanted the story to explore how fear and isolation affect a group of young people when they realize that what is happening to them may have been connected to them before they even arrived at the house.

The ending is also important to my vision. Even after the survivors believe they have defeated the supernatural threat, another group of eight students arrives and hears the same mysterious music. This leaves the audience questioning whether the evil was truly defeated or whether the cycle has begun again.

I’m still developing the screenplay, so I’m learning how to make these ideas as strong and original as possible.

Thank you again for asking. I really appreciate the opportunity to discuss the project.

Best,

Don Miguel Dushime

Writer – THE HOUSE OF MORGANA

What a great response, thoughtful insightful and lucid. I understand you want to make it different, the ending where they think it’s solved but it isn’t.? To make any kind of difference you need to plan to direct it, because it’s not different until written and directed. Please make something wonderful out of an age-old very tiring premise.

Hi David,

Thank you very much for your honest and thoughtful feedback. I really appreciate you challenging me to think beyond the familiar elements of the horror genre.

I understand what you mean. I know that the basic premise of young people becoming trapped in a mysterious place has been explored many times. My goal is not simply to repeat that premise, but to develop the story, characters, mythology, visual ideas, and ending in a way that gives THE HOUSE OF MORGANA its own identity.

I also appreciate your point about directing. I would love to eventually direct the film myself if I have the opportunity, because I already have a strong visual vision for how I want the story and atmosphere to feel on screen.

I’m still learning, and feedback like yours helps me understand where I need to push myself further as a writer.

Thank you again for taking the time to engage with my project and for encouraging me to make something wonderful from it.

Best,

Don Miguel Dushime

Writer – THE HOUSE OF MORGANA

Dude, let me be blunt, if you think your script is different and a winner then let me privately read it. Because if you are right I won’t hate it. Even if I still hate it, I’ll be able to tell you if I think it’s a winner even though I might not watch it. I have seen ‘hundreds’ of these movies. On the other hand, who cares what I think. Best of luck.

Hi David,

Thank you for being so direct and honest. I actually appreciate that kind of feedback, especially from someone who has seen hundreds of films in this genre.

I understand your point, and I would genuinely value your perspective on THE HOUSE OF MORGANA. I’m still developing the screenplay, so I want to make sure I have the strongest version possible before sharing it with you.

Once I have the draft ready, I’d be happy to send it to you privately if you’re still willing to read it. I’m open to honest feedback, even if you don’t personally like the story, because I want to learn and make the screenplay as strong as I can.

Thank you again for taking the time to engage with my project.

Best,

Don Miguel Dushime

Writer – THE HOUSE OF MORGANA

Getting some The Shining and Cabin the Woods vibes here. Which means, "looks all good for me!" Best of luck with this project going forward.

Hi Michael,

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to read my post and share your thoughts. I’m glad the concept gave you those kinds of horror vibes, while I’m working to develop THE HOUSE OF MORGANA with its own story, mythology, and identity.

Thank you again for the encouragement and best wishes!

Best,

Don Miguel Dushime

Hi Michael, thank you so much for the encouragement! I really appreciate your feedback. I’m glad the concept gave you those horror vibes, and I’m working to give THE HOUSE OF MORGANA its own identity and story. Thanks again, and I really appreciate the support!