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.
This festival was managed by Iranian director Abdolreza Kahani from June 29 to July 3 in Toronto and was held outdoors!
The award for the Best Short Film was awarded to a film from TURKEY “LIFELINE”, directed by: ABDULLAH ŞAHIN, produced by: ABDULLAH ŞAHIN and HALIL KARDAŞ
The Audience award was given to a film from IRAN “BEFORE DARKNESS”, directed by: MOSAYEB HANAEI, produced by: FARIBA KESHAVARZI
In the section of STUDENT Films, which is the most important part of the festival, prizes were awarded to the winners as follows;
The Best Movie for the film “FIVE BIG MACS FOR SALVATION”
produced and directed by: SEPIDAR VALIYAN
(CANADA)
The Best Director Goes to “DARYOUSH BAHALOU and KAMYAR RAHNAMA RAAD”
for the film INSEPERABLE
produced by Ark Gate Films, Mina Rafiei
(CANADA)
The best actor Goes to “NIMA SADRZADEH”
for the film THE CORRIDOR
directed by Amir Zavosh
produced by Ark Gate Films, Mina Rafiei
(CANADA)
The Best screenplay goes to “EHSAN SHAHINDOUST”
for the film THE CORRIDOR
directed by Amir Zavosh
produced by Ark Gate Films, Mina Rafiei
(CANADA)
The winners of each section were awarded the with ARKAB statue, and the special award of the festival went to the young actor Janan Khajehasani!
In this festival, feature films and documentaries have been screened in the out-of-competition section!
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.
