First photo report from the 4th Ark Gate International Film Festival
ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF THE 4th ARK FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS 2024
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 Selected Films of the 4th ARK GATE International Films Festival 2024
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
Unveiling the 4th Art Gate International Film Festival Poster!
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
Montreal proudly hosts the 4th International ARK Gate Film Festival.
The city of Montreal is proud to host the 4th International ARK Gate Film Festival at an expanded venue this year. The festival will take place from November 27th to December 1st.
The 4th Ark Gate International Film Festival in Montreal will have a special focus on “immigrant women” this year. We are committed to celebrating the creativity, talent, and stories of immigrant women from around the world.
The 4th edition of the Ark Gate International Film Festival is set to take place in Montreal at the prestigious “Concordia University.” Stay tuned for more updates and details about the event! We can’t wait to see you there! Register your film on FilmFreeway.
ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF THE 3rd AGIFF FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS 2023
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 Second International Film Festival of ARK GATE FILMS ended after five days with the awarding of awards in various fields!
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!