Being able to go out and stay out late is something the majority of us take for granted. So spare a thought for those living in Egypt at the moment. Residents have been forced to abide by a strict curfew this summer for security concerns. This means that everyone has to be home by 11pm, and by 7pm on Fridays, while shops, malls and cafes have to close two hours before that.
Not only is it having an impact on tourism and the economy, it is also having a major impact on the Egyptian entertainment industry, which is said to have just about recovered following a successful Ramadan television season. New projects are being put on hold, while summer movies are not doing well.
Horeya Farghally revealed recently that shooting for her upcoming film Alqashash has been put on hold until the curfew is lifted, while Yousra and Laila Elwi’s upcoming production is also facing numerous delays.
The Egyptian box-office is also suffering. New film releases are not bringing in revenue that was originally forecast due to cinemas closing early. Actor Hani Ramzy has spoken of his frustration after his new film Tom & Jimmy failed to make a profit.
Meanwhile, Hassan Al Raddad, whose movie Nazareyet A’ameety brought in a disappointing EGP1.5million (Dh794,000), said it was a “misfortune” for those who had films released this summer.
“Nobody was expecting it,” he said. “The curfew came just after the films were released, so no film did as well as it deserved.”
With the curfew in place, a number of celebrities decided to travel in order to enjoy their summer. What are your thoughts? Should Egyptian stars stay in their country to support the economy or be able to go on vacation? Tweet Tabloid! at @GulfNewsTabloid.
Who stayed and who left?
Ahmad Helmy and Mona Zaki:
The couple jetted off to Italy for the summer, explaining that they needed a break after working all winter.
Mohammad Mounir:
The singer has come under fire for leaving the country during these turbulent times; however, Mounir has hit back saying that he has a number of concerts abroad.
Lebleba:
The actress decided to stay in Egypt, but went to Marina in the North Coast (where there’s no curfew due to it being a summer resort area). She later headed to Sweden to attend a film festival.
Khalid Selim and Ahmad El Sakka:
Another two celebs said to be residing in Marina with their families for the summer.
Mohammad Ramadan:
The rising star has made a point of staying in Cairo in order to help guard his area along with his neighbours.
Nabila Obaid:
Actress Nabila has refused to leave the Egyptian capital, revealing that she has been using the curfew to spend more time with her nephews and nieces, as well as watch TV.
Ashraf Abdul Bakey:
The actor remains in Cairo with his sons.
Notes in brief
The third season of Arabs Got Talent will launch this weekend on MBC 1 and MBC Masr. Returning to the judging panel will be Lebanese singer Najwa Karam, AUD media professor Ali Jaber and Saudi comedian Naser Al Qasbi — however, there’s no doubt that the appointment of Egyptian star Ahmad Helmy as a fourth judge will bring in huge ratings.
In other reality show news, the second season of The Voice Middle East has begun filming with Assi Al Helani, Sherine, Saber Al Roubaie and Kazem Al Saher.
Basma Wehbe has announced that she is now cancer free.
Following a year of strong treatment for breast cancer, the OSN presenter revealed this week that she is now in complete remission.
Taking to Facebook, the Egyptian personality posted: “After completing medical treatment and undergoing a final exam in Geneva, tests have finally come back negative, thank God.”
Arabia online
“Exciting and positive events are happening in our region the next few months. My fave is #DubaiExpo2020 Check it out ;) http://www.expo2020dubai.ae”
-Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe (@HaifaWehbe)
“Growing up in #USA, I hated how nobody ever knew where #Syria was ... Now that everybody does 4 such awful reasons, I long 4 that ignorance.”
-American-Syrian rapper Omar Offendum (@Offendum)
