Draft:Cynthia Khalifeh
| Submission declined on 9 January 2025 by Drmies (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia.
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Comment: Note: this has been deleted twice in AfD discussions, but that was a while ago. Perhaps things have changed--but not in terms of reliable and neutral information sourced to reliable secondary sources. This is promotional and unverified and cannot be accepted in its current state. Want to improve? Look at my edit summaries, in the history, and find the secondary sources. Drmies (talk) 02:43, 9 January 2025 (UTC)
Cynthia Khalifeh | |
|---|---|
| Born | Cynthia Stephan Khalifeh 16 February 1992 Batroun, Lebanon |
| Occupation(s) | Actress and film producer |
| Years active | 2003–present |
Cynthia Khalifeh (born February 16, 1992) is a Lebanese actress, film producer, and former TV presenter who began her career at the age of 11[1]. She made her debut with a role in the popular Lebanese sitcom Abdo w Abdo, which launched her journey in the entertainment industry. Over the years, Khalifeh has become a prominent figure in the Middle Eastern entertainment world, celebrated for her dynamic performances and contributions to cinema. She gained widespread recognition through her breakthrough roles in regional series and films, including the acclaimed shows Ruby (2012 TV series), Bi Lahza (In a Moment), and more recently, 8 Days alongside Maxim Khalil. In recent years, Khalifeh has expanded her career internationally, starring in productions in the United Kingdom and the United States, and establishing herself as a rising talent in the global film industry.
Early life and education
[edit]Cynthia Khalifeh spent her formative years in the coastal town of Batroun, Lebanon. Growing up, she became trilingual, speaking Arabic, French, and English fluently. She pursued a Filmmaking degree at IESAV-USJ (Institut d'Etudes Scéniques, Audio-Visuelles et Cinématographiques) and Notre Dame University–Louaize in Lebanon.
Career
[edit]Early Acting Career
[edit]Cynthia Khalifeh began her acting career at the age of 11, taking on a supporting role in the Lebanese sitcom Abdo and Abdo (2003). Driven by her inborn passion for the arts, she quickly established herself as a prominent actress in the Arab world. Cynthia’s name became associated with successful television series, including Ruby (2011–2012), When Dust Cries (2012), Jouzour (2012–2013) — broadcast on MBC, Abu Dhabi TV, CBC, and LBCI — and the two seasons of Ikhtarab Al Hayy (2013–2015).
In 2017, she gained further recognition for her performance in Ahmed and Christina, a hit show broadcast on MTV Lebanon during Ramadan. That same year, she starred alongside Ziad Burji in Bilhaza, a Ramadan season hit series on Al Jadeed TV, playing the leading female role.
Additionally, in 2018, she participated in the theater play Alfannana, which was produced by Ginger Production with figures such as Nadine Labaki.[citation needed]
Television presentation
[edit]Between 2009 and 2018, Khalifeh presented a variety of high-profile shows for MBC and MTV studios. Her work included presenting:
- NRJ Music Videos and Energy SpinMag (2009–2015), TV shows associated with NRJ Radio.
- Go Green (2013–2015), an ecological program providing daily environmental tips.
- Preview (2013–2017), a weekly cinema show reviewing new movies and box office hits.
- Coke Studio Arabia Season 3 (2016), a music program on MBC that brought together artists from Eastern and Western cultures.
- Killer Karaoke Seasons 1 and 2 (2014–2016), alongside Egyptian artist Ahmed El-Fishawy, aired on Abu Dhabi TV and Alhayat.
- Swipe & Click (2017–2018), a tech-focused show on Abu Dhabi TV covering major technological advancements in cities such as Singapore, Berlin, Paris, and Barcelona.
- Celebrity Duets, Cynthia also appeared on the popular Lebanese show on MTV, where she sang alongside professional artists to raise funds for charity.
Cinema career
[edit]In cinema, Cynthia starred in Max and Antar (2016) with Falcon Film Company, which later became available on Netflix. Her performance in the short film Cargo garnered international acclaim, earning recognition at over 40 international film festivals and receiving the Best Short Film Award at the Cairo International Film Festival.
Other films in which she appeared include Yalla A’qbalakoun Chabeb (2016) and Paparazzi, both of which are available on Netflix. With an impressive 20-year-long career since her debut as a child star, Khalifeh has recently begun focusing on English-speaking films, expanding her reach as an international talent. She has several upcoming projects, including Borderline[2], a horror-thriller in which she stars opposite Laura Marano from Netflix’s The Royal Treatment and Lucien Laviscount from Netflix’s Emily in Paris. She is also set to appear in White Mars, starring Pretty Little Liars actress Lucy Hale and Bridgerton’s Luke Newton, alongside other films currently in development.
Advertising
[edit]Cynthia has been actively involved in advertising campaigns, representing major global brands such as Coca-Cola, L’Oréal Paris, Samsung, Red Bull, and Spinneys in television commercials, social media campaigns, and special events.
Reality Television
[edit]Cynthia ventured into reality television in France, becoming the only Arab contestant in two major French TV reality shows: Les Princes et Les Princesses de l’Amour and Moundir et Les Apprentis Aventuriers on W9 (TV channel). In the latter, a Survivor (American TV series)-style show, Cynthia spent 22 days in a jungle in Thailand and placed 4th. These experiences significantly increased her popularity in France and other French-speaking countries.
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Mish Awal Marra | Main Role | Short film, directed by Andrew Hraiz |
| 2012 | The Rope | Special Appearance | Short film, directed by Hiba Tawaji |
| 2013 | Mennik Taallamt | Main Role | Music video / short film for Lebanese singer Rabih Baroud |
| 2013 | Une Interpretation | Main Role | Short film |
| 2013 | Batroun | Main Role | Short film |
| 2014 | Momentum | Main role | Award-winning short film |
| 2015 | Silence Radio | Main Role | Short Movie for Wakanda Films |
| 2016 | Paparazzi | Lebanese/Egyptian feature film starring Ramy Ayach | |
| 2016 | Yalla A’qbalakoun Chabeb | ||
| 2016 | Max w Antar | Lead role | Feature film by Falcon Films |
| 2016 | Yalla Abelkon Chabeb | Supporting Role | Feature light comedy Lebanese film |
| 2017 | Zafafian | Supporting role | Lebanese comedy film |
| 2017 | Cargo | Award-winning short film | |
| 2017 | Black Diamond | Lead role | Short film by Celine Tabbal |
| 2019 | Banana Berlin | Writer, Director, Actress | Drama short film |
| TBA | Borderline | Zena | Lead role, Post-production |
| TBA | White Mars | Post-production |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Abdo w Abdo | Supporting role | |
| 2009–2015 | NRJ Music Videos / Energy SpinMag | Herself (host) | TV shows associated with NRJ Radio |
| 2011-2012 | Ruby (2012 TV series) | Arab remake of the 2004 Mexican version | |
| 2012 | Duo Al Gharam | 30-episode series produced by Marwa Group, aired on LBCI | |
| 2012 | Indama Yabki Attourab | Main role | A 50-episode series produced by Phoenix International Productions, aired on LBCI |
| 2013 | Jouzour | A 70-episode series produced by Media Revolution 7, aired on Abu Dhabi TV and LBCI | |
| 2013–2015 | Go Green | Herself (host) | Ecological program providing daily environmental tips |
| 2013 - 2015 | Khtarab El Hay (season 1 and 2) | Main Role | A 180-episode series produced by Marwa Group, airing on MTV Lebanon |
| 2013–2017 | Preview | Herself (host) | Weekly cinema show reviewing new movies and box office hits |
| 2014 | Abtal w Haramiyye | Main Role | Comedy produced by Shoot Productions, airing on MTV Lebanon |
| 2014 | 10 Abid Sghar | Main Role | A 30-episode series produced by Marwa Group, Aired on MTV Lebanon |
| 2014–2015 | Abriaa w Laken | Main role | Agatha Christie adaptation, 25 episodes, produced by Marwa Group, aired on MTV Lebanon |
| 2014–2016 | Killer Karaoke (Seasons 1 & 2) | Co-host | Hosted alongside Egyptian artist Ahmed El-Fishawy; aired on Abu Dhabi TV and Alhayat |
| 2015 | Ahmad w Christina | Main role | 30-episode Ramadan series aired on New TV and MTV Lebanon |
| 2016 | Li annak habibi | Lead role | A 15-episodes series produced by ZEK Productions |
| 2016 | Coke Studio Arabia (Season 3) | Herself (host) | Music program on MBC showcasing Eastern and Western artists |
| 2016 | Celebrity Duets Arab World | Participant | Sang alongside professional artists to raise funds for charity on MTV Lebanon |
| 2017 | Bilahza | Lead role | 60-episode TV series produced by ASSSADA Productions |
| 2017 | Samaa Saghira | Lead role | 30-episode Ramadan series produced by Almousawi family and Gem TV |
| 2017–2018 | Swipe & Click | Herself (host) | Tech-focused show covering global technological advancements |
| 2020 | Nemra 2 | Shahid original, episodic drama with different cast and directors each episode | |
| 2020 | Wadi Al Jinn | Fantasy series | |
| 2021 | Harb Ahlya | Ramadan TV show alongside the super star Yousra | |
| 2021 | Ded El Kasr | Ramadan TV show with Nelly Karim | |
| 2021 | 8 Days | Co-starred with Maxim Khalil | |
| 2021 | Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce | Arabic adaptation of the series, aired on Shahid | |
| 2022 | Dayman Amer | Lead role | Ramadan comedy series |
| 2023 | True Story | TV series with standalone episodes based on true events, aired on Jawwy TV |
Awards
[edit]Cynthia Khalifeh has been recognized for her exceptional talent throughout her career. She was nominated for the prestigious Murex d’Or awards in the Best Supporting Actress and Best Promising Actress categories in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
In 2022, Cynthia won the Beirut Golden Awards, further solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the industry.
The short film Cargo, directed by Karim Rahbani and starring Cynthia, won numerous awards, including a prestigious accolade at the Cairo International Film Festival, highlighting its success on the international stage and Cynthia's impactful performance.