: Sophia Takal is an American actress, director, and producer born on October 16, 1984, in Washington D.C. She has built an acclaimed dual career in both acting and directing. As a director she helmed Always Shine (2016) and Black Christmas (2019). As an actress she has appeared in films by indie directors including Lawrence Michael Levine and Benny Safdie, often in naturalistic and emotionally intense roles.