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

Friday, May 9, 2025 | Award-winning filmmaker Walid Chaya is creating a daring new rom-com that unites cultures and identities.

"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 for Driving Ms. Saudi, a viral satirical short that boldly addressed gender and social norms in the Middle East. He is also known for his work on hit television series such as Blacklist: Redemption and for directing the acclaimed short Darn It Darla! (recently awarded “Best Comedy Short” at the Love Wins International Film Festival). Across his body of work, Chaya draws from personal experience and cultural insight to create stories that are at once entertaining and socially resonant." - Artist Weekly

For the full article please click here.