/ Globe PR Wire /
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.
Written, directed, and headlined by Chaya, Darn It Darla! tells the story of Naveen, a former child star struggling to reclaim her identity while trapped in the spectacle-driven world of celebrity branding. As her management team, led by Chaya’s character Blake, orchestrates a scandal to revive her fading fame, Naveen must navigate a twisted maze of control, exploitation, and the public gaze.
The film’s fast-paced wit, surreal tone, and emotionally charged performances deliver more than laughs—they provoke reflection on how power operates behind the scenes of entertainment, particularly at the expense of vulnerable talent.
While Darn It Darla! has previously received accolades including Best Male Director and an Audience Choice Award, the honor from Love Wins holds special weight due to the festival’s ethos: to uplift films that center love, resilience, and social responsibility. Founded by Jaret Martino in partnership with Love Wins Productions and My Mind Enterprises, the festival exists to support heart-centered storytelling across identities and genres, with a particular emphasis on LGBTQIA+ stories, women’s empowerment, mental wellness, and diversity.
This alignment between filmmaker and festival was palpable.
“Though the film is stylized and satirical, the themes are deeply personal,” said one attendee. “It’s about reclaiming your voice in a system designed to silence or reshape it. That message resonates far beyond Hollywood.”
The Love Wins International Film Festival goes beyond traditional showcases. With strong ties to nonprofit and advocacy organizations, the event fosters community, not just visibility. Its unique blend of celebration and reflection made Darn It Darla! a perfect fit for the weekend’s program, which included screenings, discussions, and artist engagement opportunities designed to build bridges between filmmakers and audiences.
Chaya’s background as a Lebanese-American creative further underscores the layered significance of his work. In addition to his film work, he is the founder of Studio For Performing Arts LA and Moonlit Wings Productions, two platforms focused on nurturing emerging talent and developing multicultural content for stage and screen. As both an artist and educator, Chaya is widely recognized for empowering underrepresented voices while navigating the intersection of identity, creativity, and industry politics.
What sets Darn It Darla! apart isn’t just its production value or sharp comedic rhythm—it’s the way it taps into larger cultural questions. How are public figures shaped—and often dismantled—by those who profit from them? What does it mean to be an artist under scrutiny? And how can personal freedom be reclaimed once it’s commodified?
These questions felt right at home within the Love Wins community, which celebrates films that spark conversation and elevate consciousness. The festival’s core belief—that “despite all, love always wins”—feels embedded in the film’s DNA. Even amidst the satire and chaos, Darn It Darla! is ultimately a story about personal reclamation.
As the film continues its national festival tour, Darn It Darla! proves that meaningful stories can come wrapped in bold visuals and biting comedy. And with each screening, Walid Chaya’s work continues to leave a lasting impression—entertaining while challenging the systems it portrays.
Discover more about the movie at darnitdarla.com.
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