Iranian Film and Juror Set to Shine at DMZ International Documentary Film Festival in South Korea

Discover the inspiring journey depicted in the documentary “Cutting Through Rocks,” directed by talented Iranian filmmakers Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni. This compelling film is set to compete in the 17th DMZ International Documentary Film Festival, running from September 11 to 17 in Gyeonggi, South Korea. Iranian film critic, screenwriter, and editor Pouya Aghelizadeh will serve as a juror at this prestigious event.

“Cutting Through Rocks” is making its Asian premiere in the International Competition section of the festival. Aghelizadeh will also participate in the jury for the FIPRESCI Prize, as reported by Mehr.

The documentary centers on Sara Shahverdi, a trailblazer who became the first woman elected to a village council in rural Iran. Shahverdi’s mission involves teaching teenage girls how to ride motorcycles and advocating against child marriage, despite encountering significant resistance from her community. The film intricately weaves through the challenges of bureaucracy, picturesque landscapes, and cultural tensions, revealing Shahverdi’s journey filled with warmth, humor, and a formidable political instinct.

• Film Premise: The film showcases how Shahverdi’s courage and determination can lead to collective change for women.
• Production: A collaborative project involving multiple countries, including Iran, Germany, the U.S., Qatar, the Netherlands, Chile, and Canada.
• Awards: The film won the World Cinema Documentary Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and the Gryphon Award at the Giffoni Film Festival.

In “Cutting Through Rocks,” filmmakers Khaki and Eyni present a deeply personal and profoundly defiant portrayal of resistance and resilience. At the core of the film is Shahverdi, who seeks to dismantle entrenched patriarchal structures and empower young women to envision futures filled with freedom, education, and autonomy.

The film’s raw and unrefined cinematography captures Shahverdi’s daily struggles, offering an unfiltered view of her emotional and political battles. This observational style contributes to the film’s compelling narrative, enhancing its emotional weight.

Shahverdi’s charisma and determination propel the narrative, as she inspires young girls to pursue education and dream big—whether in medicine, teaching, or engineering. Her vision becomes a beacon of hope amid a challenging societal backdrop. However, her path is fraught with obstacles, including suspicion and resentment from her community. Accusations regarding her intentions with the girls she mentors lead to intense scrutiny of her character.

The film’s score is used sparingly, enhancing the emotional landscape without overshadowing it. The organic cinematography, reflecting the rugged terrain and social tensions of the region, adds to the film’s authenticity.

Ultimately, the documentary serves as a powerful testament to individual bravery and a sobering reminder of ongoing struggles for women’s rights. It highlights how one person’s quiet determination can ignite significant change.

Pouya Aghelizadeh, who holds a master’s degree in dramatic literature, is one of six Iranian members of FIPRESCI. With over a decade of experience as a movie session holder and festival director in Iran, he is also an educator, conducting workshops on the “Theory of Acting in Cinema” and “Art of Editing” globally. His analytical writings focus on modern cinema and the theories of prominent filmmakers such as Bergman, Buñuel, and Tarkovsky.

Aghelizadeh has participated as a critic at numerous international film festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival and Berlinale. He has also served as a consultant for various documentaries exploring significant figures in Iranian history.

The DMZ International Documentary Film Festival, often referred to as DMZ Docs, is a renowned South Korean film festival dedicated to documentary films. Established in 2009, it takes place annually for seven days in September or October, close to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea. The festival showcases films addressing pressing global issues such as war, climate change, migration, and human rights.

Festival director Chang Hae-rang emphasized the festival’s mission during a recent press conference in Seoul, stating, “Through this film festival, we deliberated on how to overcome the issues of violence and hatred that the global society has yet to solve.” This year’s theme, “A Day We Wish to Live,” will feature 143 carefully selected films from 50 countries, further solidifying the festival’s status as a leading international documentary film event in Asia.