Documentary Highlights Iranian Midwife and Activist Sara Shahverdi’s Fight for Women’s Rights

The documentary ‘Cutting Through Rocks’ tells the story of Sara Shahverdi, a midwife and women’s rights advocate from a village in Iran’s Zanjan region, who has become the first Iranian nominee for Best Documentary at the Oscars. Directed by Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni, the film took eight years to complete and follows Shahverdi’s journey as the only female motorcycle rider in her area, a midwife who has delivered 400 babies, and a determined candidate running for a seat on her local village council.

The film documents her election campaign in a male-dominated environment, where she stands as the only woman among 1,500 male representatives. After winning the council seat with the highest number of votes, she works to improve infrastructure by bringing fuel and electricity to her village. She also campaigns for progressive reforms such as shared land ownership between men and women, girls’ education, and ending child marriage.

One of the film’s most powerful storylines involves a 14-year-old girl seeking divorce after being forced into marriage at age 12. Shahverdi shelters and supports her, though the girl ultimately returns to her family following a court hearing. Shahverdi herself later faces legal scrutiny over accusations related to her activism and personal conduct, including pressure to undergo a gender-related medical evaluation. The case is eventually closed.

Filming in Iran posed significant challenges for the directors, including interrogations, confiscated equipment, and a temporary travel ban. Despite these obstacles, the film was completed and received international recognition. Although visa restrictions limited Shahverdi’s participation in global screenings, she attended one in South Korea. Her council term has ended, but her advocacy continues, and tangible progress—such as the construction of a new school—reflects her lasting impact on her community.