Sara Shahverdi, a 37-year-old former midwife, has become the first elected councilwoman in her Iranian village. Following her victory, she faces scrutiny as she works to empower local teenage girls by teaching them to ride motorcycles and combatting child marriages. Accusations about her intentions complicate her mission. Directed by Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki, Cutting Through Rocks premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and received the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary.

What Critics Say

Sara Shahverdi refuses to accept the norms of her deeply conservative village as she becomes its first female councillor.

Phuong LeRead full article

October 13, 2025

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet Sara Shahverdi, a pioneering councilwoman in Iran.
See the fight against child marriage in rural Iran.
Find out how motorcycle training empowers young girls.

Did You Know

Sara Shahverdi is the first elected councilwoman in her Iranian village.
The film premiered at Sundance on January 27, 2025.
Cutting Through Rocks received the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
The film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 28 critics.
It was featured on IndieWire's The Best Documentaries of 2025 list.

Perfect For

Women's rights advocacyIranian cultureDocumentary film lovers

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the documentary Cutting Through Rocks?

Cutting Through Rocks was directed by Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki.

What award did Cutting Through Rocks win at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival?

Cutting Through Rocks received the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

When was Cutting Through Rocks released in the United States?

Cutting Through Rocks was released in the United States at Film Forum on 21 November 2025.

Awards & Festivals

DOC NYC

2025 • Official selection

Sundance Film Festival

2025 • Official selection

IDFA International Documentary Festival Amsterdam

2021 • Official selection

Movies That Matter Festival

2026 • Official selection

Awards & Festivals

Comments

What are people saying?

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