Oscar-nominated film ‘Cutting Through Rocks’ presents a story of female empowerment in Iran, contrasting with the country’s male-dominated clerical leadership
BEVERLY HILLS: Iran’s first Oscar-nominated documentary arrives in Hollywood amid domestic turmoil following the death of the country’s supreme leader.
‘Cutting Through Rocks’ presents a contrasting vision of leadership in a nation long governed by male clerics.
Co-director Mohammadreza Eyni told AFP the film focuses on a character who uses her power to empower others. “Not controlling them, not suppressing them, not dictating to them what is right, but just creating a space for them,” he said.
Eyni and director Sara Khaki spent eight years following their subject, Sara Shahverdi. She is the first Iranian woman elected to a council in a rural community.
Khaki said the process involved witnessing the change Shahverdi offered within her village. “She goes from teaching the young girls how to ride a motorcycle to creating land ownership for women,” Khaki explained.
She added that thanks to Shahverdi, more women are becoming householders in deeply patriarchal Iran.
Eyni, who married Khaki during the production, said the film offers insight into inspirational leadership the world lacks. “Every day, all of us wake up seeing crazy news; leaders taking reckless decisions. So we think that we need stories about leadership more than ever,” he said.
‘Cutting Through Rocks’ debuted at the Sundance Film Festival last year. It then had a successful European festival run before its Oscar nomination for best documentary feature.
For the first-time filmmakers, the Oscars campaign has been a special whirlwind. “We are really honored to be here,” Khaki said.
Eyni noted they have had amazing conversations with fellow nominees about Iran. “It is amazing to feel that you are in a safe house and you have colleagues that really support you, and this is important for them,” he said.
Their time in Hollywood has provided space to remind each other that change is possible. Eyni said this is why they tell stories.
The film will compete against ‘Come See Me In The Good Light’, ‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’, ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ and ‘The Alabama Solution’. The Oscars gala will be held on March 15.
