Maša (Masha) Lizdek is a fast-rising actor who was born in Austria, Vienna, raised in former Yugoslavia, Bosnia, and Croatia, and is currently based in Toronto, Canada. Maša immigrated to Canada in the mid-90s with her family as refugees during the Yugoslav War. After settling in, she began to set her sights on the entertainment industry following in the footsteps of her mother and aunt who made a name for themselves modeling. She eventually made the transition into acting. We had the opportunity to discuss her career and latest projects, including the sci-fi movie, titled ‘ Stimulant’, coming to theatres this May 5th.
Thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. For readers unfamiliar with your background, please tell us more about moving to Canada and what drew you to a career in film and television.
Thank you for having me! I was born in Vienna, Austria, and grew up in Sarajevo, Bosnia. We immigrated to Canada in the early 90s during the Yugoslav War. I always enjoyed playing dress-up, creating characters, and becoming someone else… I bugged my mom to get me an agent when I turned 14 years old.
Who were your early influences and how did they impact your career?
Growing up with a strong single mom, I was raised with the confidence to overcome my fears and pursue my passions. She’s persevered through such battles and given me the strength to overcome anything, especially the ups and downs of an acting career.
Your first professional role was in the horror mini television series Darknet. Can you recall your experiences and expectations working on the project?
I was very thrilled when offered the part. I get killed off in the first 5 min of the series but it was such a great start to my career. I remember there being lots and lots of blood…
Your career includes performances on several popular tv series, including The Handmaid’s TV, Saving Hope, and Murdoch Mysteries. Of your many roles, is there one you’re most proud of, and if so, why?
I played a murdering mistress in the pilot of the series, ‘The Detail’. My character gets questioned by detectives on a murder case and I just adore playing the guilty one… I much prefer the one to spill the blood than to be killed!
As with other industries, film and television work has many highs and lows. Have there been any particular chapters in your career that have changed your appreciation of the industry?
After the pandemic, there seem to be mostly self-tape sessions when auditioning for roles which is a chapter that is here to stay. I really had to adapt to this change and still continue striving for improvement when truthfully, my comfort level was booking in the room, in person, but hey, I love a challenge.
Audiences can see you in the sci-fi thriller ‘Simulant’, and the World War Two drama ‘The Boy in the Woods’. Please tell us about your respective roles and what audiences can expect.
Simulant is a sci-fi thriller that tells the story of a widower making the hard decision to replace her husband with an android. I play her service android, LISA. Despite the robotic face and exoskeleton, there is something caring in her movements…The Boy in the Woods is based on a true story, the survival journey of young Maxwell living in the woods while hunted by Nazis and fighting for his life. I play Kasia, a Polish peasant who helps protect Max as much as she can…
What other projects are in the pipeline?
I am currently in the process of releasing my next single on Spotify. I hope to share it by this summer along with a music video. Stay tuned for the single, ‘What Do I Know’.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
My only form of social media is instagram, @mashliz, however… you can listen to my music on Spotify under Maša. My first single, ‘Tell Me Your Name’ also features a super fun music video on Youtube… Thanks for the support =)
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