Walid Chaya’s latest project, “The Barent Trap,” will have romcom fans charmed and entertained!!
Walid Chaya has added one more gem to his unending streak of genius work with his new project, “The Barent Trap.” He co-wrote it with a friend, Jimmy Monack. It’s the reiteration of a short film by Walid, and Jimmy helped turn it into a full-length feature film.
The script was recently selected as a semi-finalist for the Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards’ “Diversity Writers Outreach” program. We already know this movie will be the next Hollywood sensation, and Walid is excited to see people respond to this play on “Crazy Rich Asians” meets “The Parent Trap” movie.
“Growing up, I was captivated by visual storytelling and the performing arts. That inspired me to create a fast-paced film celebrating family bonds and mixed identities, drawing on my childhood memories between Lebanon and America. As the film industry increasingly embraces diverse representation, I recognize a valuable opportunity to tap into an underserved Middle Eastern market and share my personal narrative.”
– Walid Chaya
The Barent Trap
“The Barent Trap” by Walid Chaya is a groundbreaking comedy with a Middle Eastern twist that challenges stereotypes. The film’s protagonists are twin brothers, Omar and Yousouf, who were born to parents forbidden from marrying due to cultural differences. Omar is a womanizing Christian lawyer, while Yousouf is a secretly gay Muslim music teacher. The film goes beyond typical misunderstandings and family conflicts to offer a unique perspective on the complexities of identity and family bonds. Through its Middle Eastern twist, the film explores the challenges of reconciling orthodox traditions with the demands of modern life, offering a poignant and humorous commentary on the tensions between tradition and progress.
As the protagonists awaken, they expose the challenges faced by younger generations in navigating cultural differences and reconciling their identities with societal expectations. The story begins with Yousouf, a Lebanese man who is secretly gay, traveling to Los Angeles for an arranged marriage. There, he unexpectedly encounters his identical twin, Omar, setting off a chain of events that culminate in a comical identity swap. Through this hilarious twist, the twins are forced to confront their parents’ cultural and ideological differences, leading to a journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds..
The movie is shot in prominent locations like a Beverly Hills Bar, a hole-in-the-wall falafel shop, West Hollywood Law Office, a high-end Hollywood restaurant, and the Palm tree-lined streets of LA.
This Arab-inspired film promises a fresh and timely approach to comedy, celebrating the enduring power of love and the nostalgic charm of a place where people pour their hearts into romance. With a carefree spirit that leads them to explore the rocky terrain of their passion, the characters bring a new perspective to the familiar themes of love and identity.
The Inspiration
Walid’s passion for filmmaking stems from his desire to provide more opportunities for Middle Eastern actors and challenge Hollywood’s stereotypical portrayals of Arab characters. He believes that the industry’s underrepresentation of Middle Eastern talent creates a void that his work can help fill.
Recent studies by the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition and UCLA’s Hollywood Diversity Report have shed light on this issue, revealing that only 1% of TV actors are of MENA descent and there were no MENA actors cast as leading actors in films in the past year.
To make a positive impact, Walid collaborates with diverse and talented individuals, including cinematographers, sound designers, and actors, bringing fresh and unique perspectives to his out-of-the-box scripts. His work not only showcases the rich heritage and skills of MENA actors but also highlights the importance of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.
Learn more about Walid’s inspiring journey and work here.
