The Ark Gate International Film Festival is proud to announce the Best Film of its 5th edition:
THE BLAME SILENCE
Brazil
Director: Israel Cordova
A powerful and deeply atmospheric work, The Blame Silence tells the story of Mauro, a rural farmer who, after his father’s death, is confronted with a freedom he never dared to embrace. Torn between guilt and desire, he faces his fears in a journey toward accepting who he truly is.
The film distinguished itself through its subtle storytelling, emotional precision, and its sensitive exploration of identity, silence, and liberation.
About the Director:
Israel Cordova, a 26-year-old LGBTQIA+ filmmaker based in Brasília, Brazil, leads Ozara Filmes and works across directing, executive production, and cinematography. His filmmaking is defined by a human, realistic, and conflict-driven approach that brings clarity, depth, and honesty to the screen.
The festival congratulates Israel Cordova and the entire team behind The Blame Silence for this outstanding achievement.
We look forward to sharing more groundbreaking films in the years to come and continuing to support visionary filmmakers who push the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic expression
We’re excited to unveil the official poster for the 5th edition of the Ark Gate International Film Festival!
This moment marks the beginning of a new and inspiring chapter, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the magic of cinema.
Poster Design: Majid Azadmanesh
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
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!
More pictures coming up. photographer: Alireza Teimoury
Visit the gallery to see more photos.
