Layla Alizada

From a daughter watching her father being deported to his country of origin for an execution, to an Indian doctor who is a closeted lesbian being forced into an arranged marriage, and an eccentric school nurse who is giving a student awkward sex ed advice, award-winning actress Layla Alizada has brought to life compelling, diverse characters in drama and comedy positioning her as "one to watch" this year. In 2016 Layla can be seen starring in the Academy Award Nominated short film "Day One." Layla shines as Feda, an Afghan-American woman who is going through a divorce and lands her first job ever as an interpreter in the US Army. Set in Afghanistan, "Day One" explores Feda's experiences and chronicles her assignment on her first day, accompanying an army unit to a potential bomb-makers home. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Layla spent several years of her childhood living with her family in Montreal, Canada before moving to Vancouver where she grew up and attended the renowned Theatre Sc