Iran's motorcycling midwife and rights campaigner is star of Oscar-tipped film

BBC News - WorldEN 5 min read 100% complete February 21, 2026 at 01:44 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

"Cutting Through Rocks" is an Oscar-nominated documentary about Sara Shahverdi, an Iranian midwife and rights campaigner. The film, directed by Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni, follows Shahverdi's journey as she runs for a council seat in her village in the Zanjan region of northwest Iran, beginning in 2017. As the only female motorcycle rider in the region, she is shown overcoming obstacles as a female leader, ultimately winning the election and advocating for issues like land co-ownership, girls' education, and ending child marriage. The filmmakers, who also married during the eight-year production, highlight Shahverdi's efforts to bring positive change to her community. The film is the first Iranian nominee for Best Documentary at the Oscars.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tehran 40% Gandom Films ×250% Zanjan 50% Cutting Through Rocks ×270% Mohammadreza Eyni ×570% Sara Khaki ×780% Iran ×490% Sara Shahverdi ×690%

Keywords

iranian women 90% sara shahverdi 90% documentary film 80% rights campaigner 70% midwife 70% female leadership 70% child marriage 60% girls' education 60% oscar nomination 60% motorcycle rider 50%

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Very Positive

Score: 0.70

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Source

BBC News - World

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90%

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