Dialogue: Directors Sara Khaki & Mohammadreza Eyni in attendance for a post screening conversation moderated by filmmaker Mehrnaz Saeed-vafa.
“Precisely lensed… A deftly shaped work of cinematic nonfiction." - Lauren Wissot, Indiewire
"Raucously entertaining… I was completely riveted.” - Bilge Ebiri, Vulture
“Uniquely propulsive… Practically magical.” - Siddhant Adlakha, Variety
Friday, January 9, 6:00 p.m. | 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 and accusations about her motives, Sara must confront not only her critics — but also her own sense of identity. (Gandom Films)
Awards & Nominations
Winner, World Cinema: Grand Jury Prize Documentary - Sundance 2025
Audience Award - Visions du Reél 2025
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu