"For Chaya, returning to the MOTY gathering offered both a creative recharge and an opportunity to reconnect with peers across film, television, and fashion. With several new projects in development, the evening served as a timely reminder of the community and momentum that fuel the entertainment industry."- Ellora Cummins, Level Up Magazine

Last week, I had an incredible experience attending the American Film Market (AFM) in Santa Monica, CA, from November 12–17, 2025. It was amazing to meet so many talented filmmakers and production companies, exchange ideas, and connect with creative professionals from around the world. During the event, I had the opportunity to pitch both my upcoming projects, Crazy Rich Arabs and Darn It Darla!, and received great feedback from industry insiders. AFM is always such a vibra

On November 14, 2025, I had the pleasure of attending GQ’s Men of the Year celebration at the iconic Chateau Marmont. The night brought together Hollywood’s top creators, innovators, and tastemakers — all gathered to honor this year’s cultural game-changers.

Watch me perform in The Groundlings School Diversity Scholarship Showcase this Saturday! Grateful for this opportunity and for championing diverse voices in comedy.

"As a filmmaker rooted in both Hollywood and the Middle East, Walid Chaya’s presence at Murex D’Or was more than a red-carpet moment; it was a bridge between industries, cultures, and creative visions. His commitment to telling authentic, globally resonant Arab stories reinforces the growing influence of Middle Eastern voices in world cinema." - Prabhat Dewangan, UAE Stories

"Walid Chaya has added one more gem to his unending streak of genius work with his new project, “The Barent Trap.” -Level Up Magazine

If you’re an actor, filmmaker, or just someone who loves powerful storytelling, the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) is about to deliver two can’t-miss screenings you’ll want front-row seats for. This September, VCU arts Theatre alumni-turned-filmmakers are returning to RVA to share their latest work—films that have been making waves from Hollywood all the way back home.

If you’re an actor, filmmaker, or creative spirit looking for career inspiration, this is one event you’ll want to mark in bold on your calendar. On Friday, September 26, join award-winning filmmakers and proud VCU alumni Walid Chaya and Collin Chute for an exciting RVA Alumni Q&A at VCU arts Theatre. This isn’t your typical lecture—think of it as a behind-the-scenes conversation where you can ask questions, swap ideas, and walk away with real-world strategies to fuel your

Harriet, a once-promising filmmaker, is stuck in the suburbs of New Jersey. Alienated from her cheating husband and spurned by her teenage daughter, she secretly enrolls in film school to revive her long-lost dream.

Harriet, a once-promising filmmaker, is stuck in the suburbs of New Jersey. Alienated from her cheating husband and spurned by her teenage daughter, she secretly enrolls in film school to revive her long-lost dream.

Directed by Walid Chaya, "Darn It Darla!" is a short film where he stars as a manipulative talent manager, following a former child stars...

Watch Walid Chaya with Miriam Shore in the World Premire of MAGIC HOUR, an Official Selection of the Berkshire International Film Festival.

"Award-winning filmmaker Walid Chaya is developing a bold new romantic comedy that bridges continents, cultures, and identities. Crazy Rich Arabs, co-written by Chaya and fellow writer Jimmy Monack, is a vibrant, character-driven feature film set between Beirut and Los Angeles. Currently in early development and seeking production partners, the film offers a fresh take on love, family, and the complicated ways we define success and selfhood. Chaya first gained attention fo

"What happens when one brother is hiding a secret, the other is living large, and a wedding is about to blow it all up.  Crazy Rich Arabs, the new feature film in development by Walid Chaya, is a fast, funny, and heartfelt take on culture, chaos, and identity in the modern Middle East diaspora. Set between Beirut and Los Angeles, the film follows twin Arab-American brothers raised on opposite sides of the world. Omar is a high-powered divorce lawyer in L.A., all confidence

"As the credits rolled and applause filled the room, it was clear that Darn It Darla! had struck a chord. The sharp dark comedy by Walid Chaya took home the 'Best Comedy Short' award at this year's Love Wins International Film Festival, earning both critical and audience praise for its bold storytelling and layered message about personal freedom in the face of manipulation..."

"A dark comedy with teeth, Darn It Darla! made a memorable mark during its screening at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival (HAFF), where it was featured as part of the LA Voices Showcase highlighting standout talent from the Los Angeles filmmaking community.

"A dark comedy with teeth, Darn It Darla! made a memorable mark during its screening at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival (HAFF), where it was featured as part of the LA Voices Showcase highlighting standout talent from the Los Angeles filmmaking community.

As the 4th edition of the Hollywood Arab Film Festival (HAFF) came to a close, one standout screening during the LA Voices block captivated audiences with biting satire, timely themes, and a star-studded creative team. Darn It Darla!, a dark comedy directed and starring Lebanese-American filmmaker Walid Chaya, screened on Sunday, April 13 at 2:00pm at Look Cinema Glendale, marking a celebratory closing day of this year’s Arab Heritage Month festivities.

Next stop for my film, "Darn It Darla!"  We’re screening Love Wins International Film Festival on Friday, May 3 at 6PM in Long Island, NY!  Tickets are available now at darnitdarla.com or directly via the Love Wins Festival website. Don’t wait — seating is limited! “Fame demands its dues.”  I had the honor of directing this dark comedy — and playing Blake, the manipulative talent manager working the industry from the shadows. LOGLINE: A former child star fights for a

Grateful to share my movie “Darn It Darla!” on closing day of the Hollywood Arab Film Festival - HAFF!  It was an unforgettable screening surrounded by friends, cast, crew, and so much love. Thank you to everyone who came out to support — your presence meant the world.  Amazing to finally have my co-star and dear friend Quincy attend and see our film on the big screen, to a packed audience!