Fears of entertainment industry exiting Egypt

Egyptian artist Amr Mahmoud Yassin Cairo – Shaimaa Mikkawi Members of Egypt\'s vast entertainment industry are afraid that Islamists\' recent success in the country\'s parliamentary elections and likely presidential bid will damage their prospects . Some have even threatened to emigrate.
Are entertainment icons leaving the country due to the decline in the entertainment industry in addition to fears that they were no longer welcome in Egypt? Others say people are only leaving so that they can earn more money.
 Arabstoday posed the question to a group of entertainment artists to find out their points of view:
Director Ali Abdel-Khalek expects  Egyptian artists to travel to the Gulf states after the revolution, particularly as Egyptian productions have become limited. He added: “I knew that this was going to happen but no one believed me. Films and series are now done without the participation of big stars. I think those big stars will move to Gulf states...frankly speaking, what is going on in Egypt does not encourage anyone, not only the artists but all the professions; and this is a very serious omen.”
For his part actor Amr Mahmoud Yassin said: “We cannot blame any artist considering working outside Egypt as we do not know their circumstances. They might have no other resource to make a living. What should they do then? On the other hand, many Egyptian artists will choose to stay in Egypt, and I am one of them.”
Critic Nade Adli said it was unlikely that Egyptian artists and producers would travel, saying: “This cannot happen under any circumstances. I don\'t think the revolution affected the entertainment industry. Maybe it\'s had a subtle effect on films as some cinemas were burnt during the revolution.”
For her part, the critic Magda Maurice said to Arabstoday: “The Gulf states really need the Egyptian artists. After the 1967 defeat many Egyptian productions stopped and Beirut was the best alternative...some artists also went to Syria and Turkey. Although the films produced were not good, these countries were the only resort for Egyptian producers, directors and actors. However, those artists who declared their support for the revolution will never leave Egypt. On the other hand, those who consider their works just as a means to make a living will think about leaving Egypt.”
Actress Nashwa Mostafa agreed with Magda Maurice, saying: “The migration of some artists is possible, particularly after the revolution and the lack of Egyptian productions. However, I do not think that the Egyptian entertainment industry has been affected, as we are continuing with our work. However I can\'t speak on behalf of others as there may be some directly affected by the revolution. They have the right to travel seeking work.”