Hot Docs 2025: Cutting Through Rocks Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Hot Docs Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

Different civilizations have their own set of societal rules and roles. In the case of Iran, the country has strictly followed Sharia Law since the Iranian Revolution in 1979. As a result, women have seen limited participation in the many facets of everyday life. In Cutting Through Rocks, directors Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki tell the story of Sara Shahverdi, a recently divorced woman defying tradition. Riding her motorbike through an arid village in the countryside, she would also help her mother raise her six sisters and three brothers once her father passed away back when she was sixteen years old. Sara is used to challenging the status quo. The film follows her for her most prominent step yet, as she attempted to be the first woman elected to the local council. This act would soon become a point of contention between the conservative men and the local women who hope to succeed there. 

Khaki and Eyni frame a microcosm of Iranian society. In recent years, protests for women’s independence have emerged. Multiple articles, documentaries, and videos have portrayed the harsh reality of women restricted from studying and working. Sara, however, represents a subversive figure to the traditional gender roles of her community. She lives alone, is divorced, and advocates against the mistreatment of women. A clear example is when her brother tries to confiscate his sister’s financial rights to land through a contract. She is then forced to sign it and not ask about it. In an introductory note, it is the first time audiences see Sara’s conflict capacity. She is not afraid of arguing with men if necessary. She is a defender of a suffering minority group; her bravery impresses. 

In this sense, narratively, she reinforces her personality in each conversation. The moment she assumes the council position, making history, she becomes an unprotected target from the opposition. People do not want her to succeed and become a symbol for other women. It is not convenient to have more Saras in the community. Consequently, Cutting Through Rocks becomes a kaleidoscope of moments where those men attempt to diminish her impact. The engineer changes her project to a public square; meanwhile, an uncle slaps a girl riding a bike with Sara. They are not ashamed of perpetuating violence and misogyny. Yet, they cannot let her thrive. 

Structurally, the film observes her daily challenges and weight on the hardships in her life. Sara is a glimpse of light in the darkest of nights. She is thoroughly trying to set a precedent for young girls to flourish, but faces a village that is against her. The film adds an antagonistic element to her story by exposing an anonymous denunciation of having an dishonorable house. The investigators and the judiciary advise her to stop receiving women late at home and to marry again. Besides the dramatic potential, it does not expand any of the aggressions and is not as compelling as the other challenges. The directors attempt to introduce the sub-plot as the climax, but diminish the ongoing impact of her story. 

Constantly, Cutting Through Rocks makes audiences judge a society based on their values. Yet, the film exposes a society where men often work hard to destroy a woman’s effort. Traditions and honor are the motives not to let them study and prosper. Still, Sara Shahverdi rides her motorbike as she steers her life, aware of the rough road and aiming to bring as many girls as possible

Score: 75/100

*still courtesy of Hot Docs*

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Pedro Lima

Brazilian film writer. He is also a producer and executive producer for Zariah Filmes. Member of the International Film Society Critics Association (IFSCA), International Documentary Association (IDA), and Gotham and Media Film Institute.