A mystical immersive film

Surrounded by three large film screens with the camera lens as your eyes, travel a breathtaking odyssey through worlds of inspiring archetypes. Journey to the realm of seductive emotion, the fast-moving web of thoughts, the mysterious subconscious, and so much more. Your heart will be pulled, tickled, broken, healed, and melted with bliss along the way. Featuring the artistry of 42 dance artists, originally composed eclectic music is expressed through Ballet, Sufi Dance, Street Dance, African Dance, Middle Eastern Dance, Contemporary and more. Be transported on this epic mystical adventure.

Story Overview

“Seven Gates” is based on the story of the ancient Middle Eastern goddess Enanna, or Ishtar, Mother of the Universe. She is immortal yet heartbroken that her children suffer from old age, sickness, and death. Ishtar embarks on a profound quest through seven gates to the Underworld, seeking the Lord of Death to ask why human suffering exists.

To pass through each gate, she must surrender a different veil of ignorance (seven veils). As Ishtar sheds the last veil, she is reminded that she is the creator of the universe and the cycle of life and death. This immersive film allows the audience to take the epic journey through the eyes of the goddess.

“Seven Gates” reminds us that we create our own universe.

Sponsored by the Canada Council for the Arts, Toronto Arts Council, and Dance Ontario

The seven worlds are depicted by 42 Dance Artists inspired by Street Dance, African, Ballet, Raqs Sharqi, Sufi, Contemporary, and Interpretive styles of dance set to an eclectic array of music.

Director: Yasmina Ramzy

Director of Photography: Manuel Garcia

Choreographers: Yasmina Ramzy, Bengt Jorgen, Patrick Parson

Composers: Rob Christian, Rich Greenspoon

Projection Design: Gabriel Gropley

Creative Associate: Jeff Dimitriou

Assistant Director: Christina Djokoto

Environmental Set Design: Mike Boer, Heather Campbell, Jess Kalucki

Costume Design: Nancy Baltazar, Helal Hakim

Make-up Design: Voula Zisis

Dance scenes filmed at Immersion Room, Toronto

1at Assistant Camera: Will Binks

2nd Assistant Camera: Luca Cianfarani

Make-up Assistant: Isabella Martinello,

Wardrobe Assistant: Karen Perez

Production Assistants: Linda Crites, Shruti Srinivasan, Erika Galindo

Dance Artists: Ana Zamora, Ana Isabel “Chabi” Arauz, Leandro Prado, Márcio Teixeira, Akane Shimazu, Roula Said, Chrystal Powell, Emilio Colalillo, Kwasi Obeng Adjei, Robert Halley, Rumi Jeraj, Sebastian Hirtenstein, Emod Vafa, Tim Spronk, Cosmin Negreanu, Rhythm Vekariya, Stacie Noel, Akane Shimazu, Leanna Mendolia, Katy Solo, Anastassia Lada, Sofia Filipe, Rhythm Vekariya, Jaicyea Smith, Lily Yan, Angelina Da Silva, Tia Beete, Tihana Beete, Tanya Rybina, Mariano “Glizzi” Abarca Palomares, Chris Otchere, Kajaanan Navaratnam “KJ”, Matthew Morales, Chloe Reelis, Jason Patryluk, Kaleigh Murphy, Laura June Ness, Lindsay Aquin, Marisa Sherk, Raniya Farah, Penelope Artemis, Zoe Cacciotti

Talent provided by da Costa Talent Management, Yasmina Ramzy Arts, Footnotes Academy Freestyle Dancers, 10 Talent Management, Ballet Jorgen, Rumi Canada

Executive Producer: Yasmina Ramzy

Imagined and written by Yasmina Ramzy, it was first presented as a choreography created in 1996, then called “Descent of Ishtar”.

“Arresting imagery…a Jungian wonder…intelligent and inventive choreography… seduces completely” The Globe and Mail

“Creates dramatic impact” Toronto Star

Time: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Category: Arts | Visual Arts | Film / Cinema

Prices:
General Admission: CAD 29.00,
Stdents / Seniors: CAD 24.00

Artists / Speakers: Director / Writer / Producer: Yasmina Ramzy, Director of Photograpjhy / Editor: Manuel Garcia