How was the forth day of "SevilFest"?

The fourth day of SevilFest was marked by compelling screenings, distinguished guests, and packed screening rooms. The programme opened with Coexistence, My Ass!, following Noam Shuster Eliassi, who grew up as a symbol of the Israeli–Palestinian peace process before turning to stand-up comedy and political satire as a way of confronting the realities around her.

The programme continued with the screening of the local short documentary Requiem for the Caspian. Focusing on the environmental crisis facing the Caspian Sea and the challenges experienced by the residents of Pirallahi Island, the film was followed by a conversation with director Suad Gara, who shared insights into the making of the documentary and the issues it explores.

The day's final screening, Cutting Through Rocks—nominated for the 2026 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature—was met with great enthusiasm. The film tells the story of Sara Shahverdi, the first woman elected to the local council in a remote village in Iran. A member of the Azerbaijani community, Sara challenges deeply rooted patriarchal norms by teaching teenage girls to ride motorcycles, speaking out against child marriage, and advocating for women's property rights. Her work, however, provokes resistance and leads to accusations that question her intentions.

More than 100 audience members attended the screening, which was followed by an engaging discussion with directors Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki, together with the film's protagonist, Sara Shahverdi. The conversation explored the story behind the film, its creative journey, sources of inspiration, women's rights, the social boundaries imposed on women, and the audience's thoughtful questions, resulting in an open and heartfelt dialogue.