"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.

On April 5, 2025, at the Zephyr Theatre, magic happened. It was an absolute joy to reconnect with familiar faces and warmly welcome new ones into the Hollywood scene. The evening came alive with vibrant music, fun icebreakers, thrilling raffles, and an unforgettable special guest performance that had everyone buzzing. A heartfelt thank you to the amazing LA actors and the incredible film & TV creatives who joined us. Your talent, energy, and presence made the night truly o

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

The actors did an amazing job acting in their impressive reels.

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!

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

The dark comedy short film Darn It Darla! continues to impress on the festival circuit, most recently taking home the Best Comedy Short...

The critically acclaimed dark comedy short film Darn It Darla! continues to make waves on the festival circuit, securing the Best Comedy....

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

Today we’d like to introduce you to Walid Chaya Hi Walid, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers

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

The film took home an award last weekend from the CCIFF. Directed by Walid Chaya, "Darn It Darla!" is a short film: fame demands its dues.

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

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

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