By William Jones
April 29, 2025

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.

Directed and led by Walid Chaya, a Lebanese-American filmmaker and actor, the short film explores the twisted dynamics behind the entertainment industry’s obsession with image, power, and media manipulation. Chaya plays Blake, a ruthless talent manager orchestrating a fabricated scandal to reignite the fading career of his former child-star client, Naveen.

Audiences responded strongly to the film’s sharp wit, visual boldness, and emotional undertones. Chaya’s on-screen pairing with Quincy Cho, who portrays the fame-hungry assistant Linda, drew praise for its blend of humor and edge. Their dynamic helped anchor the film’s satirical tone, supported by a vibrant ensemble cast. Both Chaya and Cho attended the screening, where they connected with audiences following the film. 

Also present was Rawan Chaya, a Lebanese-American music artist whose original songs were featured in Darn It Darla! Her tracks provided a powerful sonic backdrop that deepened the emotional resonance of key scenes.

While Darn It Darla! isn’t an Arab-themed story, the inclusion of Walid Chaya — a Lebanese-American director and actor — underscores the festival’s dedication to celebrating Arab talent across all genres. The Hollywood Arab Film Festival continues to champion a wide range of voices, recognizing that Arab creatives play a vital role in shaping the broader cinematic landscape, whether they’re telling culturally specific stories or not.

Co-founded by Maykel Bakhoum and Abraam A. Mikhael, HAFF has become a meaningful space for dialogue and discovery. Held annually each April during Arab Heritage Month, HAFF connects Arab filmmakers with the U.S. industry through film programs and community-driven initiatives designed to elevate visibility and expand opportunity.

Darn It Darla! continues its festival run with its next screening scheduled at the Love Wins International Film Festival in Long Island, NY, on May 3, 2025, at 6:00pm — with additional appearances to be announced.

For more information about the film, visit darnitdarla.com.

Written in partnership with Tom White

Immanuel Portus, an acclaimed film director best known as the youngest and First Filipino director to direct for Red Bull at the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, recently added another accolade to his career as a featured panelist and judge at the 2nd annual FilAm Creative Film Festival. Held at California State University, Los Angeles, on November 7, 2024, the festival is a premier celebration of Filipino-American storytelling and a platform for fostering emerging creative talent.The event gained significant attention, with coverage by NBC News Los Angeles and features on television news networks highlighting its cultural and artistic impact. 

Portus participated in the panel “The Director & DP Dynamic,” joining an esteemed lineup of industry heavyweights, including Emmy-nominated director Peter Markle (NYPD Blue, The X-Files), legendary cinematographer Mark Irwin (The Fly, RoboCop 2), and groundbreaking filmmaker Belinda Salazar Kizy (John Leguizamo’s American Historia, La Voz Kids). Moderated by Joe Johnson of Birns & Sawyer, the panel delved into the intricacies of the director-cinematographer relationship, offering insights on collaboration, visual storytelling, and leveraging new technologies. 

“It was an honor to share the stage with such accomplished filmmakers and exchange ideas about the craft we all love,” said Portus. “The dynamic between a director and DP is at the heart of every great production, and this panel was a fantastic opportunity to highlight how those partnerships bring stories to life.” 

As a judge for the festival’s short film competition, Portus played a key role in evaluating a diverse slate of submissions from emerging filmmakers. His thoughtful critiques and recognition of standout entries reflected his commitment to fostering the next generation of talent. “The creativity and passion I witnessed at this festival were truly inspiring,” said Portus. “It’s a privilege to celebrate the unique perspectives these filmmakers bring to the industry.” 

The FilAm Creative Film Festival is renowned for its mission to empower and spotlight Filipino-American talent in the entertainment industry. By participating as both a panelist and judge, Portus contributed to the festival’s overarching goal of bridging generations of creatives and inspiring innovation in the film community. 

Portus’s involvement in the festival aligns with his celebrated career trajectory. With a directorial portfolio that includes heavyweights Formula 1, INDYCAR, Fendi, and groundbreaking branded

content for major global brands, Portus has become a sought-after name in commercial and narrative filmmaking. 

As the newly appointed Creative Director for Sleepspa by Hästens, Portus continues to expand his influence in the world of storytelling. His participation in events like the FilAm Creative Film Festival underscores his dedication to giving back to the creative community while shaping the future of filmmaking.

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