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Iranian councilwoman challenges patriarchal traditions in 'Cutting Through Rocks'

Sara Shahverdi appears in Cutting Through Rocks (اوزاک یوللار) by Sara Khaki and Mohammad Reza Eyni, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Sara Khaki.
Sara Khaki
Sara Shahverdi appears in Cutting Through Rocks (اوزاک یوللار) by Sara Khaki and Mohammad Reza Eyni, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Sara Khaki.

As the first elected councilwoman of her deeply conservative Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi — a divorced, motorcycle riding, former midwife — stands out. Tenacious and not easily intimidated, Sara is determined to uplift her community and put an end to the empty promises and laziness perpetuated by local councilmen over the years. But it is as an advocate for the girls and women in her village where she encounters the greatest opposition. Among other things, she aims to break long-held patriarchal traditions by training teenage girls to ride motorcycles and stopping child marriages. When accusations arise questioning Sara’s intentions to empower the girls, her identity is put in turmoil.

Directors Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni discuss the film, which is entered in the World Documentary Competition.

Directors of "Cutting Through Rocks," Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni in studio at KPCW
KPCW
Directors of "Cutting Through Rocks," Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni in studio at KPCW

David D'Arcy is a freelance art critic and journalist whose articles can be found in such publications as The Arts Fuse, The Art Newspaper, CNN, NPR, SFGate, Irish Times, IndieWire, Observer, Vanity Fair, The National, San Francisco Chronicle, Screen Daily and more.