The 4th Ark Gate International Film Festival took place in Montreal from November 27 to December 1, 2024, returning to the city after two editions in Toronto. Over 300 films were submitted to the festival, which celebrated diverse voices in global cinema. The Ark Gate International Film Festival continues to serve as a platform for amplifying international voices and fostering dialogue through cinema.
The final day, December 1, featured the closing ceremony, during which the audience-selected “A Mother Youngsoon”, directed by Lee Chang-jun from South Korea, was awarded Best Film of the Festival.
The festival was honored by the participation of the Consulate General of Serbia in Montreal, who attended in support of Serbian filmmaker Danilo Stanimirovic. Their presence highlighted the strong connection between the arts and diplomacy.
The closing ceremony was followed by a dinner party.
We extend our gratitude to all filmmakers, participants, and supporters who made this festival a memorable event. A special thanks to Concordia University, the Consulate of Serbia in Montreal, Shirkhodai Real Estate Group, and Orchidée Restaurant for their generous contributions.
The moment you’ve all been waiting for has arrived! The fourth edition of the “ARK GATE International Films Festival” proudly announces its selected films. After reviewing hundreds of entries from around the world, we’ve chosen the very best for you. Are you ready to join us and discover the most exciting independent cinema? Here it is—the list of selected films:
1. As Easy As Closing Your Eyes – USA
2. A Mother Youngsoon – Korea Republic
3. 5/3/0 – Serbia
4. We Will Not Fade Away – Ukraine
5. Deadly Draw – Spain
6. My Swiss Grey – Switzerland
7. The Java Plum Tree – Pakistan
We’re thrilled to unveil the official poster for the 4th edition of the Art Gate International Film Festival! This year’s festival will be even more special than the last, and we invite you to follow us as we prepare to make this incredible event happen in Montreal.
Poster: Aryan Arian
Graphic Design Director: Siamak Pourjabbar
The moment we’ve all been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived. After days of exceptional films, thought-provoking narratives, and breathtaking cinematography, it’s time to celebrate the talented filmmakers who have captivated us all at the AGIFF Film Festival. This year, we took a unique approach by putting the power of judgment in the hands of the true connoisseurs of cinema—the audience. With their discerning taste and valuable votes, they have selected the winners who have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.
🏆 BEST ACTOR:
In the category of Best Actress, we applaud “Nika Shahnazzadeh” for their extraordinary performance in “The Untouchable“, directed by “Avazeh Shahnavaz” from “Iran”.
With their exceptional talent and dedication, they have brought their character to life, captivating audiences and delivering a truly memorable portrayal.
We only have one actor winner because we don’t differentiate between genders.
🏆 BEST SCREENPLAY:
The award for Best Screenplay goes to “Sharon Yaish and Golan Rise” for their outstanding writing in “Lost Angeles“, directed by “Sharon Yaish and Golan Rise” from “Israel”.
Their skillful storytelling, compelling dialogue, and masterful characterization have elevated the art of screenwriting and enriched the overall cinematic experience.
🏆 BEST DIRECTOR:
The award for Best Director goes to “Onur Yagiz” for their exceptional work in “Fatih the Conqueror” from “France”.
Their visionary storytelling, meticulous direction, and profound understanding of the craft have resulted in a cinematic masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact.
🏆 BEST FILM:
Finally, the prestigious award for Best Film is bestowed upon “Van Gogh in Love“, directed and produced by “Jean Luc AYACH”.
This remarkable production has touched the hearts and minds of viewers with its captivating narrative, brilliant performances, and artistic excellence.
We congratulate all the winners for their exceptional achievements in their respective categories. Your creativity, talent, and dedication have contributed to the magic of cinema and have left an indelible mark on the festival and its audience.
We would also like to express our gratitude to all the filmmakers, producers, and the entire cast and crew involved in the creation of these outstanding films. Your passion, hard work, and artistic vision have made this festival a resounding success.
As we celebrate these achievements, let us remember that the power of storytelling knows no boundaries and transcends all distinctions. We honor the talent and dedication of all filmmakers, regardless of gender, and recognize the invaluable contributions they make to the world of cinema.
Thank you to the audience, who played the crucial role of jury by voting for their favorite films. Your participation and enthusiasm have made this festival a true celebration of the art of filmmaking.
Once again, congratulations to all the winners, and we look forward to another incredible edition of the AGIFF Film Festival in the future! 🎥✨
Please visit the gallery to view the pictures of the festival.
The festival opens on June 29 and ends on July 3 with a selection of the best.
35 films will be screened in three sections and the statue (Arkab) will be awarded to the best.
The AGIFF Festival is held outdoors and includes the red carpet, workshops, review sessions and film screenings.
The director of the festival is Abdolreza Kahani, an Iranian director who has established the festival to screen films with free thought. Abdolreza Kahani, who has won prestigious awards at international festivals, left Iran after his films were banned and censored.
Find your festival card here
Short Film:
1- SCARF
MARJAN SAFABAKHSH
2- ADAPT
KAMAL KACHOOEIAN
3- DABUR
SAEID NEJATI
4- INERT
ERFAN MALEK HOSEINI
5- WARCELONA
VALI KARIMNIA
6- TIDE
PEDRAM MEHRKHAH
7- BRUISED
ALI TAVAKOLI
8- BEFORE DARKNESS
MOSAYEB HANAEI
9- LIFELINE
ABDOLLAH Sahin
10- MOTHER
SINA & SOHEIL NAZARI
11- CONDEMNED
MOHAMMAD YOUSEFI
12- THE HIRED HAND
MOHAMMAD REZA KESHAVARI
13- SYNTHESIS
MOHAMMAD TOWRIRARIAN
14- VOICES IN THE WAVES
NAVID ZARE
15- POLAR BEAR CLIMATE CHANGE
MILAD MOTAHARI
Student Short Film:
1- MRS. SOTOODEH
SAHRA VARYANI
CANADA
2- OVERDUE
YASSIN NOUR
CANADA
3- 7th BIRTHDAY
SHOLEH LAJEVARDI
CANADA
4- INSEPAEABLE
DARIUSH BAHALOU & KAMYAR RAHNEMARAD
CANADA
5- NOT MY PRESIDENT
ARVIN ZOKAEI
CANADA
6- DEORESSED CHICKEN
ELNAZ ZARSAZAN
CANADA
7- MAMI
NAJMEH TANSAZ
CANADA
8- THE CORRIDOR
AMIR ZAVOSH
CANADA
9- THAT FRIEND
SAHRA VARYANI
CANADA
10- THE ISLANDERS
NAOMI BAKER
CANADA
11- BIRTHDAY 2022
PARMIS TABARI
CANADA
12- 5 BIG MACS FOR SALVATION
SEPIDAR VALYAN
CANADA
13- THESE THREE PEOPLE
NAVID EDALATI FARD
CANADA
14- GREY HAZE
KIMIA MOTEVALLI
CANADA
15- ON THE MOON
MEHDI ESLAMPOUR
CANADA
16- THE MOTHERS
MARYAM SALAMAT
BELGIUM
17- THE PRIVET AREA
AMINEH SOMEH
UNITED STATES
18- MIREYITA
ORANGEL LUGO
BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC
19- AT YOUR SERVIS
TIME WORK
NEDERLAND
20- DEADHEAD
AHMAD NASROLAHI
ITALY
21- DAMNOOSH
BEHNAZ SHOAR
GERMANY
PROJECTION SPECIALE:
1- DELITHED
ABDOLREZA KAHANI
IRAN
2- I AM HERE
ALLEN FOROUHAR
CANADA
The ARK GATE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM Festival has joined with FILMFREEWAY! Global Film Registrations will start on February the 1st.
The festival is held annually, on dates June 29 to July 3 in Toronto with the presence of famous Iranian director and festival founder Abdolreza Kahani for 5 days in different settings, all dedicated to independent films with free themes and also to stand against censorship.
The first edition of the festival was held last summer and it’s second is upcoming this year.
Selected films will be screened outdoors and on the big screen at night, other activities will be held in the afternoon including the red carpet, the film market, workshops and celebrations.
The festival prizes “Crystal Arkab” will be awarded to the Best Acting, Best Directing, Best Screenplay and Best Film.
In the acting category, women are judged alongside men and only one person is awarded.
