Cutting Through Rocks

Directed by Mohammadreza Eyni, Sara Khaki
Iran
2025
94 mins

Synopsis

Winner, Documentary Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. This rousing film follows a motorbike-riding, pioneering councilwoman in rural Iran and her tireless fight for women’s rights.

Sara Shahverdi is the first elected councilwoman in her Iranian village, and, what’s more, the only woman in the area who rides a motorbike. She wants to teach other women to ride too, as well as increase their property ownership and help to end child marriage – but her determination is met with considerable resistance from the men in her community. Co-directors Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni deliver a powerful debut feature that is both eye-opening and deeply moving. Featuring some of the most unforgettable scenes in documentary this year, the film not only tells Sharverdi’s story – a divorcee and without children, an anomaly in her region – but also showcases her vision for a better future for the next generation.

Limited seats are available for patrons requiring access for wheelchairs, low vision and hearing loop. Please contact our ticketing team directly on 1300 733 733 or tickets@sff.org.au to complete your booking.

Needless to say, Shahverdi is a badass.
Marya E. Gates, RogerEbert.com

Tickets

Sun 8 June 2025, 6:35pm
Dendy Newtown - Cinema 3
WheelchairSubtitledAssisted Listening
Wed 11 June 2025, 6pm
Event Cinemas George St - Cinema 3
WheelchairSubtitledAssisted Listening
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