Cutting Through Rocks (Documentary)
Director: Sara Khaki,Mohammadreza Eyni
Producer: Mohammadreza Eyni,Sara Khaki
Screenwriter: Mohammadreza Eyni,Sara Khaki
Cinematographer: Mohammadreza Eyni
Composer: Karim Sebastian Elias
Editor: Mohammadreza Eyni,Sara Khaki
Production Designer: Mohammadreza Eyni,Sara Khaki
Featured Subjects: Sara Shahverdi
This Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner profiles a brazenly feminist, motorbike-riding Iranian trailblazer – the first woman elected to public office in her remote community.
At the age of 37, Sara Shahverdi has accomplished many things: survived a divorce, mastered the motorcycle, delivered hundreds of babies as a midwife and, most significantly, made history as her village’s first ever female councillor. She’s the epitome of the forward-thinking rebel who cares not for what others think – to the mutual awe and disbelief of many in her traditional community – and her main objective has been to fight for the rights of women and girls, especially those at risk of child marriage. But in deeply conservative Iran, a woman on a mission will inevitably ruffle many a feather.
Shot in a vérité style by US-based husband-and-wife team Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki, this uplifting chronicle of a real-life hero follows Shahverdi during her campaign trail, eventual landslide victory and its aftermath. But this is no hagiography: footage of Shahverdi fulfilling election promises, making school visits and pushing for legislation changes is complemented by scenes of subversive tactics, scuffles with family and exasperated outbursts. Awarded the World Cinema – Documentary Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Cutting Through Rocks is a warts-and-all portrait that is as spirited, spiky and inspirational as its indomitable leading woman.
“This intimate observational documentary becomes a marvel of insight … It couldn’t be more powerful.” – POV