Deep Dive: Cutting Through Rocks (2025)
Film Lens
Cutting Through Rocks is a 2025 documentary directed by Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki, focusing on Sara Shahverdi, the first Iranian woman elected as a councilwoman in her rural village. The film addresses Sara's efforts to challenge patriarchal traditions by training teenage girls to ride motorcycles and combating child marriages. As she faces accusations regarding her intentions, the film presents a nuanced portrayal of her identity and mission.
The documentary premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 27, where it won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary. It has been recognized for its impactful storytelling, earning a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and numerous awards at various international film festivals, including the Audience Award at Visions du Reél and the Best Documentary Feature at Woodstock Film Festival.
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