"Being the first anything is a point of pride, but also a burden. Sara Shahverdi has carved her own path through a deeply conservative village in rural Iran. An experienced midwife who has delivered more than 400 babies, she has always done what is not permitted of women: to ride a motorcycle in public, to get a divorce and to live alone. Now she has taken on another herculean task: to become the first female councillor to be elected in this part of the country."
"Staying close to its subject, Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni's dynamic documentary captures the full force of Shahverdi's formidable personality. An early scene shows her barging into the home of her brothers, demanding they return the rights of land inheritance to her sisters. The film expands from Shahverdi's private issues to take in the full scope of patriarchal oppression in her community. Here, schoolgirls as young as 12 are forced into marriage, divorce is nearly impossible to obtain, and married women have little legal protection."
"Shahverdi's resounding election victory is a beacon of hope, but even her celebrations are overshadowed by misogyny. Her male supporters can dance in the streets, while women have to film the revelries through a barred window. As councilwoman, Shahverdi brings stunning changes to the village; however, her support of women and girls also incites hateful accusations about her sexuality that land her in court."
Sara Shahverdi is an experienced midwife who has delivered more than 400 babies and routinely defies local prohibitions by riding a motorcycle, obtaining a divorce and living alone. She confronts family and community norms by demanding land inheritance rights for her sisters and by standing for local council. She becomes the first female councillor in her conservative Azeri Turk village, energising supporters while encountering overt misogyny that restricts women's public celebration. Her policy changes improve local conditions, but advocacy for women and girls provokes hateful accusations about her sexuality that lead to legal proceedings. Progress repeatedly meets setbacks, producing sustained exhaustion.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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