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!
We are honored to have the opportunity of inviting you to AGIFF 2022 film festival. The festival will be held from June 29th until July 3rd, 5 pm to 11 pm everyday.
Day one , Opening ceremony June 29th schedule:
1- Red Carpet and photo call at 5 pm
2. Introducing the festival and welcoming the guests
3- The festival special screening “Delighted” by Abdolreza Kahani 6pm- 8pm as well as Q&R with the director.
4- Reception ( drinks and food) at 8pm.
6- Party and music
****
Day 2 June 30th:
1. The first section of short films from 5pm to 6:30pm
2. Reception at 6:30
3. First section of school films screening from 7pm to 8:30pm
4. Reviewing school films shown on the same day 9pm to 10 p.m.
5. 10 to 11 pm, Screening of the documentary “I am here” and its review in the presence of the director. (Out of competition)
****
Day3, July 1st:
1. Screening of the second section of short films from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.
2. Reception at 6:30 pm.
3- Screening the second section of school films from 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
4- Reviewing school films shown on the same day.
9 pm- 10 p.m.
5- Atosa’s short film “All qualified men” screening at 10 pm (out of competition)
****
Day 4 July 2nd:
1. The third section of short films screening from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.
2- Reception at 6:30
3- Screening the third part of school films from 7 to 8:30 pm
4. The jury meeting in the small cinema hall, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
5- School short films review with the festival jury.9:00 pm to 10 p.m.
6- Announcing the candidates of the school short films from 10:00 to 11:00
****
Day 5, Closing ceremony July 3rd
1- Showing all the nominated films 5pm to 6 pm.
2- the Red Carpet (candidates) from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
3- Photos and introduction of sponsors.
4- reception (drinks and foods) 7:00 pm
5- Announcing the prizes 7:30pm – 8:30
6. Photo call
7- Music and party
8- Announcing the winner of the best short film and school short film of the Festival at 10:30
9- Screening the winner of best short film at the end of the festival.
We hope you enjoy the festival activities, screenings and celebrations.
Please refer to the links below to register for the festival.
Daily pass
General pass
Opening night tickets
Closing celebration tickets
Address : 18 Mill St,Thornhill ON L4J 8C5 , Canada
Parking: There is absolutely NO PARKING SPOT outside of the venue. You need to park in public parking on old Yonge next to the Thornhill park and tennis court . There is 3 min walk from public parking to the venue.
See you soon.
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.
