CUTTING THROUGH ROCKS Opens at Film Forum on 11/21

A film by Sara Khaki & Mohammadreza Eyni

By Christine Connallon 

The power of a great documentary is life-altering. It can open the mind, transport you to a city across the world and give you an intimate look into the life of someone you would never have crossed paths with otherwise.  A festival like DOC NYC programs a slate of films designed to open doors and change perspective.  Sometimes a film stays with you, long after the credits roll. CUTTING THROUGH ROCKS is that doc. 

Fresh off its place on the short list for Features at DOC NYC earlier this month, CUTTING THROUGH ROCKS introduces us to Sara Shahverdi, a trailblazing woman who lives in a remote Iranian village. A staunch supporter of women and girls in a society that does not value their ability to make decisions for themselves, Shahverdi works tirelessly to stop child marriages and introduces teenage girls into the thrill of riding motorcycles. When she becomes the first elected councilwoman of her village, it seems like the possibilities are endless for her to evoke change but instead, the powers that be are intent on not only thwarting her ideas but attacking her identity. 

Directed, produced and edited by Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni, CUTTING THROUGH ROCKS is the rare gem that provides an unflinching portrait of determination under fire.  As the winner of the 2025 Sundance World Cinema Documentary Grand Jury Prize,  CUTTING THROUGH ROCKS allows us to imagine the stamina and fortitude it took for Shahverdi to fight tradition to help shape a new path for generations to come.  Shahverdi is a fearless icon who is a gift to the planet. 

CUTTING THROUGH ROCKS opens at Film Forum on Friday, November 21st, with special Q&A events with filmmakers Sara Khaki & Mohammadreza Eyni, including a screening introduced by Chelsea Clinton on Saturday, November 22nd. Don’t miss this chance to experience filmmaking at its best. Secure tickets here:  https://filmforum.org/film/cutting-through-rocks. 

Photos courtesy of Susan Norget Film Promotion