Cutting Through Rocks

As the first elected councilwoman of her Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi 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.

From the moment we meet Sara Shahverdi, she embodies perseverance and strength. Not easily intimidated — despite constant attempts — she is determined to uplift her community and put an end to the empty promises and laziness perpetuated by local councilmen over the years.

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Documentary · Biography · 15+
Language: Farsi, Azeri Turkish
Themes: Female empowerment, women's rights

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Screenplay: Sara Khaki, Mohammadreza Eyni
Producers: Sara Khaki, Mohammadreza Eyni
Executive Producer: Meadow Fund, Sheila Nevins, Judith Helfand, Julie Parker Benello, Monika Parekh, Geralyn Dreyfous, Rebecca Lichtenfeld and Chandra Jessee for InMaat, Jenny Warburg
Cinematographer: Mohammadreza Eyni

Key cast: Sara Shahverdi