At just sixteen years old, part Egyptian and part French Moroccan Lina Sophia, is a rising actress, effortlessly bridging cultures with her talent. Fluent in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish, with a passion for cinematic, theatrical, and television arts, she has been catapulted to the forefront of the entertainment industry. eniGma’s Farida Elserty had the chance to talk with the talented young actress to discuss everything from how she made it to the screen to where she plans on going next.
Lina Sophia’s breakthrough came with her role in the record-breaking Egyptian romance film, Hepta: The Last Lecture, based on the best-selling novel by Mohamed Sadek. Sharing the screen with a stellar cast, that included Amr Youssef and Yasmine Raeis, Sophia showcased her versatility and deep understanding of her craft. Television audiences also fell in love with her during her appearances in hit shows such as Haza Al Masa (Later Tonight), a sensation during the 2017 Ramadan season, and the critically acclaimed series Bel Hagm El A’aely (Family Size) where she shared the screen with the esteemed, Yehia El-Fakharany. Recently, she has continued to make waves with her role as Farida in the Ramadan series Kamel El Adad (Full Size) alongside Dina El Sherbiny. The show’s overwhelming success led to its renewal for a second season, currently in production. Sophia’s talent also transcends borders, as evidenced by her collaboration with international director Jérôme Cohen-Olivar in the French-language thriller, Story.
Amidst the glitz and glamour of Sophia’s rapid rise in the entertainment industry, at its heart her story is one of passion, cultural pride, and a relentless pursuit of her dreams. Hailing from a lineage steeped in her Egyptian heritage and a family deeply rooted in artistic appreciation, this rising star’s journey into the world of acting was in many ways a destined path.
Growing up in the embrace of a highly artistic family, Sophia experienced a childhood filled with hues of music, movies, and television series. While her family was not directly involved in the arts, the ambience of creativity was there. It was during her earliest years in Tunisia, where her father was an international business consultant at the time, that she first stood in front of the camera. “The moment I stood in front of a camera for the first time, I experienced a feeling of self-discovery and an overwhelming love for acting,” she says, recalling these early steps into commercials. It was in Egypt, however, that her aspiration to be a part of significant projects came true with a role in the acclaimed movie, Hepta: The Last Lecture. Since then, acting has become much more than a profession to her. She treasures it as a way expressing her cultural identity through roles and stories that resonate with global audiences.
Egypt’s rich history in art, cinema, and music serves as a strong inspiration for Sophia. Embracing her Egyptian heritage, she sees acting as a platform through which she can represent her roots positively. “I find myself automatically drawn to the task of representing Egypt in a positive light,” she declares. She hopes that with each role she takes, she contributes to bridging cultural gaps. To her, authenticity is the cornerstone of her craft. “Staying true to my cultural roots is not challenging for me,” she asserts as she relates how she navigates the intricacies of cultural identity with the guidance of her parents.
In Sophia’s view, film and television storytelling are agents of cultural unity. She sees cinema’s appeal in its ability to transcend boundaries, fostering connections among diverse audiences. As she puts it, “Movies have the power to help people worldwide understand one another and learn different languages.”
Illustrating cinema’s educational potential and the profound impact of storytelling in bridging cultural divides, Sophia shares how Spanish cinema enhanced her understanding of the language and culture, “I enjoy watching Spanish movies and series. They have helped me learn and better understand the Spanish language.” She also highlights the role films play as a preserver of history, immortalising past eras for future generations. “Movies provide a means for people, like me, to understand the world through stories and to connect with characters. Cinematic narratives ultimately provide a universal language that offers comfort and a sense of belonging across cultures,” she adds.
In the mosaic of experiences that shape an actor’s journey, Sophia finds inspiration in every encounter she has. From the early days of her acting debut to the present, each moment has left a different mark on her perspective. Recalling her time on the set of Hepta: The Last Lecture, she remembers the admiration that was sparked in her for directors like Hadi El Bagoury and Hala Khalil. “Witnessing Hadi El Bagoury working and effortlessly connecting with the actors ignited a dream in me to pursue directing in the future,” she says, adding, “I also must mention my deep love for Hala Khalil. Her remarkable work and the fact that she is one of the few women directors in Egypt is inspiring.”
But how does a young star like her prepare for emotionally demanding scenes? According to Sophia, the answer is, sitting alone and listening to music. “During filming, I just stay in a room alone, listening to piano and classical music,” she reveals. After the intensity of filming subsides, she turns to her mother for comfort and emotional release.
In today’s digital age, it is a challenge to navigate the crossroads of tradition and innovation in the entertainment industry. However, Sophia’s youthful embrace of social media is helping her seamlessly integrate her artistic endeavours with her digital presence. Realising it is a significant aspect of modern visibility, she approaches social media with authenticity and enjoyment. “I genuinely enjoy it. I love taking pictures, filming videos, and sharing stories with people,” she says.
Sophia finds that her experience could inspire other aspiring actors, particularly from Egypt and the Middle East. “Work hard and focus on what truly matters,” she advises. “The most important work isn’t just what you do in front of the camera, but also behind it,” she adds.
“Looking ahead,” Sophia says, “My dream is to act in projects that have a real impact and meaningful messages.” She hopes to inspire perseverance and resilience through her roles, leaving an imprint on Egyptian cinema for generations to come. She also dreams of collaborating with esteemed figures in the industry. “I would love to work with the beloved Youssra, Menna Shalaby, Amina Khalil, Maged El Kedwany, Karim Abdel Aziz, Ahmed Ezz, and Ahmed Malek. As for directors, I want to work with Marwan Hamed, Ahmed Shaker Khodier, and Raouf El Sayed,” she asserts.
With the upcoming release of Season 2 of the Ramadan hit series, Kamel El Adad (Full House), Lina eagerly anticipates the evolution of her character, Farida. Set against the backdrop of Ramadan, the series promises intrigue and character development, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities of familial bonds and personal growth. “It’s the first time I am working on a character’s evolution within a show that I previously filmed. I am excited for viewers to witness how Farida has evolved,” she concludes.
Stylist: Hana Shawki
Makeup Artist: Christine Rizkallah
Hair: Alsagheer Salons
Photographer: Alexander Neamonitis