top of page


BLOG


Artist Weekly ft. 'Crazy Rich Arabs' by Walid Chaya May 2025
"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

Walid Chaya
4 days ago


Level Up Magazine ft. 'Crazy Rich Arabs' by Walid Chaya May 2025
"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

Walid Chaya
4 days ago


Love Wins Fest Awards Walid Chaya’s ‘Darn It Darla!’ May 2025 Digital Journal Feature
"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..."

Walid Chaya
May 8


Walid Chaya’s ‘Darn It Darla!’ Takes Home Award at Love Wins Film Festival May 6 Vents Magazine
"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.

Walid Chaya
May 8


Walid Chaya, Lebanese-American Filmmaker, Showcases Sharp Dark Satire at Hollywood Arab Film Festival April 26
"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.

Walid Chaya
Apr 28


Walid Chaya’s “Darn It Darla” Featured in LA Voices Showcase at Hollywood Arab Film Festival in April 18
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.

Walid Chaya
Apr 24


Love Wins Film Fest Screens "Darn It Darla" in Long Island NY on May 3, 2025
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

Walid Chaya
Apr 17


Casting LA Actors 'Crazytown' May 2025 Comedy Play and Diversity Showcase
Casting a variety of hilarious roles for adults ages 18 and up in the one-act comedy play “Crazytown,” directed by Jon Taylor and produced by Walid Chaya for Studio For Performing Arts LA.


Walid Chaya Attends The Hollywood Arab Film Festival 2025 for "Darn It Darla" Screening
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!

Walid Chaya
Apr 16


Hollywood Arab Film Festival Screens "Darn It Darla!" by Walid Chaya April 2025
Directed by Walid Chaya, "Darn It Darla!" is a short film where he stars as a manipulative talent manager, following a former child stars...

Walid Chaya
Apr 9


Dark Comedy ‘Darn It Darla!’ Wins HRIFF People’s Choice Award, Featured in Vents Magazine – April 2025
The dark comedy short film Darn It Darla! continues to impress on the festival circuit, most recently taking home the Best Comedy Short...

Walid Chaya
Apr 6


Walid Chaya's "Darla!" Film in Cali Post for People's Choice 'Best Comedy Short' at HRIFF April 2025
The critically acclaimed dark comedy short film Darn It Darla! continues to make waves on the festival circuit, securing the Best Comedy....

Walid Chaya
Apr 6


Hollywood Arab Film Festival Screens "Darn It Darla!" by Walid Chaya April 2025
Directed by Walid Chaya, "Darn It Darla!" is a short film where he stars as a manipulative talent manager, following a former child stars...

Walid Chaya
Apr 3


Recap: SPALA's 'Meet The Roommates' & 'Breaking Badly' Comedies to Benefit The California Fire Foundation! March 2025
This past Saturday, El Centro Theatre in Hollywood was filled with laughter and purpose as Studio For Performing Arts LA presented two...

Walid Chaya
Mar 14


One-Act Comedies Take the Stage at Studio for Performing Arts LA to Support the California Fire Foundation – March 2025
This past Saturday, El Centro Theatre in Hollywood was filled with laughter and purpose as Studio For Performing Arts LA presented two one..

Walid Chaya
Mar 5


SPALA Presents: Walid Chaya Showcases Comedy Plays in Hollywood to Benefit the California Fire Foundation – March 2025
Last Saturday, El Centro Theatre in Hollywood buzzed with energy as Studio For Performing Arts LA presented two uproarious one-act comedies

Walid Chaya
Mar 3


Walid Chaya Shines in ‘Magic Hour’ Premiere at Santa Barbara Film Festival Feb. 2025
The 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival kicked off with a bang this year, and one of the standout moments was the world...

Walid Chaya
Feb 26


Walid Chaya Shares Tips for Building a Self-Tape Studio in Your Apartment
"In a post-Covid world, actors are rarely being asked to come in person for first- round auditions.


Walid Chaya Featured in Voyage LA’s ‘Rising Stars’ Series
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

Walid Chaya
Feb 12


Walid Chaya in LA Weekly for 'Darn It Darla!' Award-Winning Film Feb. 2025
The dark comedy short film “Darn It Darla!” made a triumphant kick off at the Central Coast International Film Festival (CCIFF) this month..

Walid Chaya
Feb 10
bottom of page