Cutting Through Rocks

When the engine roars, patriarchy becomes silent. Oscar-nominated story of biker Sara who teaches Iranian girls to ride motorbikes – and take the wheel of their own destinies.

Sara Shahverdi – a divorced, motorcycle-riding former midwife – is an unlikely leader in her conservative northwestern Iranian village. As the first woman ever elected to the local council, she’s determined to break the cycle of empty promises and complacency passed down by the men who came before her. Fierce and unapologetic, Sara pushes for bold reforms, fighting her most difficult battles on behalf of the village’s girls and women. From teaching teenage girls to ride motorcycles to challenging child marriage to advocating for female land ownership, she openly defies patriarchal norms. But when her efforts spark backlash, Sara must confront her critics – as well as her own sense of identity.

The screening on 17 October at Pasaka Cinema in the Old Town will be introduced by Shabrang Asrami, an Iranian lecturer in Persian language and history.

Sundance Film Festival 2025 — World Cinema Grand Jury Prize for Documentary
IDFA 2025 — NPO Doc IDFA Audience Award
Visions du Réel 2025 — Audience Award
Verzio International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival (2025) – Best Human Rights Film Award