With their Academy Award–nominated documentary **CUTTING THROUGH ROCKS**, directors Sarah Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni carry that tradition into urgent contemporary territory. It’s a rare Oscar recognition for a feature-length observational film — and a powerful reminder that this rigorous mode of documentary filmmaking remains as vital as ever.

At the center of CUTTING THROUGH ROCKS is Sara Shahverdi, the first Iranian woman elected as a councilmember in her rural village. A motorcycle-riding force of nature, Shahverdi challenges entrenched patriarchy through policy and persistence — advocating for women’s empowerment, resisting child marriage, and encouraging young girls to imagine futures beyond traditional constraints. Charismatic, fearless, and deeply pragmatic, she emerges as both a compelling subject and a symbol of meaningful civic change.

Beautifully shot and patiently constructed over several years, CUTTING THROUGH ROCKS is this year’s Oscar-nominated documentary about resilience, community leadership, and the transformative power of one determined individual.

As part of our 2026 Academy Awards Oscar Series spotlighting the Best Documentary Feature nominees, INSIDE THE ARTHOUSE sits down with Academy Award nominees Sarah Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni for an in-depth conversation about observational filmmaking, earning trust within a conservative community, political risk, and the enduring legacy of cinéma vérité.

Watch now and join the conversation and find clips of this conversation on  @INSIDETHEARTHOUSEclips 

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Video podcast exploring independent film, arthouse cinema, and the film industry. In-depth filmmaker interviews, behind-the-scenes conversations, and film analysis covering new releases, repertory cinema, and classic films. Hosted by Greg Laemmle & Raphael Sbarge in partnership with Laemmle Theatres, Inside the Arthouse focuses on film distribution, the movie business, and the creative process behind independent filmmaking

INSIDE THE ARTHOUSE is a YouTube film podcast featuring in-depth filmmaker interviews focused on independent film, arthouse cinema, documentary filmmaking, and the film industry.

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