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.

Actors, are you struggling with your demo reel or wondering how to start one from scratch? You're not alone. Whether you have zero footage or outdated clips, this free webinar is your chance to learn how to build a reel that casting directors actually want to watch. Join award-winning filmmaker Walid Chaya and guest director Jorge-Luis Pallo (best known from Pretty Little Liars, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and more) for a powerful online session that breaks

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...

Ready to gain online publicity, interviews, articles and become known in casting? Are you using Instagram, Twitter, or IMDb to network for..

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

Singing something a little unexpected this week at Musical Mondays LA! 🎯 Join me for the 10pm Live Spot — FREE at The Chapel at WeHo 🤩 Our “Miscast” line-up is full of surprises, and I can’t wait to share mine!

"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

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.

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...