The critically acclaimed dark comedy short film Darn It Darla! continues to make waves on the festival circuit, securing the Best Comedy Short People’s Choice Award at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival (HRIFF). The win further solidifies the film’s impact, following its earlier success at the Central Coast International Film Festival (CCIFF), where director Walid Chaya was honored with the Best Male Director award.
HRIFF, renowned for showcasing cutting-edge independent cinema, has long been a hub for Hollywood’s elite. With past guests including Pierce Brosnan, Jamie Foxx, Sharon Stone, Hilary Duff, Frances Fisher, and Danny Strong, the festival is a melting pot of established legends and rising talent.
At HRIFF, Darn It Darla! screened on March 7 at 7pm PT, drawing an enthusiastic audience and further cementing its status as a standout film in the independent scene. Winning the People’s Choice Award at an event of this caliber speaks volumes about the film’s ability to resonate with audiences.
Directed by and starring Walid Chaya, Darn It Darla! is a sharp-witted dark comedy that exposes the manipulation and exploitation of artists in Hollywood. The film follows Naveen, a former child star (played by Liz Venz) fighting to reclaim her identity, as she battles her overbearing talent manager, Blake—portrayed by Chaya himself. The film’s eccentric cast includes Quincy Cho as Linda, Blake’s fame-obsessed assistant, and Nelson Arrieta Jr. as Devin, a washed-up boy band singer caught up in the scheme against Naveen.
Originally developed as a stage production written by Lavinia Roberts for the Brisk Festival LA, Darn It Darla! transitioned seamlessly to film, adapted by Chaya, capturing the same biting humor and incisive industry commentary that made it a hit on stage. Its ability to blend dark comedy with serious social critique has resonated strongly with both audiences and critics.
With multiple festival wins under its belt, Darn It Darla! is gaining momentum on the global film circuit. In addition to HRIFF and CCIFF, the film is an official selection at the upcoming Hollywood Arab Film Festival (HAFF) in April 2025, where it will screen as part of the LA Shorts block in Glendale, CA. The inclusion in HAFF highlights the film’s broad appeal and reinforces its relevance within diverse storytelling spaces.
Reflecting on the success of Darn It Darla!, Chaya expressed gratitude for the festival honors and the support from audiences: “This film started as a passion project, and to see it resonate with people across different festivals is truly humbling. Winning the People’s Choice Award at HRIFF means so much because it shows how audiences connect with the film’s message and humor.”
As the festival run continues, Darn It Darla! remains a must-watch for those who appreciate bold storytelling, satirical humor, and an unfiltered look at the entertainment industry. To stay updated on future screenings and news, follow @Walid.Chaya and @DarnItDarlaFilm on Instagram or visit darnitdarla.com.
