She graduated in Philosophy from the University of Porto after attending a filmmaking course at the Portuguese School of Cinema and Theatre. She worked as a researcher for a PhD thesis at the Aesthetics, Politics and Arts Research Group of the Philosophy Institute of Porto University. Between 2001 and 2007, she worked on the production of several films. She also has taught at the Video and Documentary Cinema School of Abrantes. Cíntia was member of Vila do Conde Shortfilm Festival selection committee. Since 2012 she has been a co-director of DocLisboa as both production and artistic director. Since 2015 she has also been a member of the board of Apordoc - the Portuguese Documentary Assocation.