Imagine a love for entertaining, the drama club and high school plays. Then imagine a role in an Academy Award Nominated short film. That’s reality for Kabul-born Layla Alizada who moved to Montreal as a kid and then settled in Vancouver.
First scouted by a talent agent at 13, Layla landed a role on her first audition and pursued acting ever since. The big break came over a decade ago, co-starring with Juliette Lewis, in the film Chasing Freedom which garnered her a Gracie Award win and a Gemini Award nomination. Recently Layla has recurred on The CW’s Jane The Virgin and ABC’s The Muppets. She is also engaged to Vancouver-born actor Noel Fisher.
This year she stars in the short film DAY ONE as Feda, an Afghan-American woman and first time interpreter for the US Army. The drama, set in Afghanistan and inspired by a true story, started off as an AFI Conservatory thesis film and went on to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Short Film (Live Action). DAY ONE can be seen at select theatres in Vancouver along with other Oscar nominated live action shorts.
Day One Trailer from Anisha Acharya on Vimeo.
What was it like moving from Afghanistan to Canada as a child?
I was quite young when we left Afghanistan. We traveled through several countries before landing in Canada. Moving often was challenging as a child. I was constantly immersed in new cultures and languages, I’m grateful for it now as it’s allowed me to be adaptable and easily connect to all kinds of people.
Growing up in Vancouver, did you have an impression of the entertainment industry?
There were always productions shooting around town and Vancouver has such a thriving Theater community that I was definitely conscious of the industry growing up. My first personal exposure came through my high school drama teacher, Mr. Jim Crescenzo, to whom I am forever indebted. He was not only inspiring as a teacher but someone who made me aware of the business side of things and helped me get my first agent.
Favourite entertainers from Vancouver?
There is so much talent that comes out of Vancouver that it’s hard to name only a few people. Ryan Reynolds is hilarious. Seth Rogen is amazing as well. I met him in passing a long time ago and not only does he seem super down to earth but I admire that he’s branched out into all these different areas – writing, directing and producing. That’s something I’d like to emulate. On the theater front, I think Jonathan Young of the Electric Company is mesmerizing on stage. Also, I can’t say enough about theater veteran James Fagan Tait (Jimmy). I saw Jimmy in a production of Sweeney Todd at the Arts Club when I was very young and I was totally transfixed by his performance. Later on he directed me in a few shows and we worked together on stage. He is fearless in his creativity.
When did you discover your passion for acting?
I think my earliest memory was when I was around five. I was playing with a group of kids and this little girl hurt herself. She wouldn’t stop crying. In my effort to comfort her, I randomly started doing some broad physical comedy scene, Charlie Chaplin style. I remember her eyes lit up and she started laughing. That made an impression on me. I loved that I could uplift someone or shift their emotional state through performance.
Was there a conscious decision or organic evolution to pursue a career in acting?
A combination of both. I was a shy kid but always felt a need to express myself creatively. I think that has always been an innate part of me. As a teenager getting into Theater School, I made a commitment to being a professional and to pursue acting until it became a career.
What is the greatest thing you learned from Langara’s Studio 58 Theatre?
I’m so grateful to all of my teachers at Studio 58. I learned professionalism, the importance of a strong work ethic and to appreciate and respect all the different people it takes to bring a story to life.
What was it like to co-star with Juliette Lewis in your big break, “Chasing Freedom”?
I’m a huge fan so getting to work with her was beyond exciting. Juliette was grounded, supportive and such a generous co-star. She’s effortlessly present and organic in her acting process. I learned a lot from watching her.
Was it easy to play an Afghan-American character with real-world issues in this year’s Academy Award Nominated short film “DAY ONE”?
I had a lot to draw from. I found it very easy to relate to a character growing up in two different cultures like myself. Before shooting, Hank (writer/director Henry Hughes) and I spoke at length about the adversity a person in that position faces as a woman and an interpreter. It’s a huge responsibility bridging two very different languages and cultures.
How important is it for you to be able to bring ethnic characters to life on screen?
Very important. I think it’s integral to reflect the reality of the world we live in on screen. People are endlessly beautiful and diverse.
Advice for aspiring actors?
Read the War of Art by Steven Pressfield. Create a healthy foundation for your life and have a good support system. This industry is a marathon with lots of ups and down. Stay inspired, grow as person and as an artist – it will show up in your work.
By Amar Mirchandani @amarmirch
Photo credit: Ricky Middlesworth / Day One
