The week-long Cairo International Film Festival kicked off Wednesday night amidst an air of revolution that was swept into the country on the Arab Spring. Even the festival's director tearfully chanted "Long live Egypt," allowing himself to get caught up in the emotions of recent events in Egypt.

Running from 29 November to 6 December, the first post-January 25 Revolution edition of the CairIo International Film Festival is dedicated to a revolutionary Egypt.

The festival openied Wednesday at the Cairo Opera House after being postponed due to large anti-Morsi protests that filled Tahrir Square to the brim Tuesday.

Usually a chance to pose for the camera and parade lavish gowns, the red carpet at this year’s Cairo International Film Festival opening ceremony was avoided by Egypt’s most renowned actresses. Instead, stars, including Yosra, Elham Shahin and Sabreen, were dressed in black last night, declaring that their attire was a sign of respect and mourning for the martyrs of the revolution.

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