The Stoning of Soraya M. is an exceptionally emotional, painful, and at the same time important drama by a director of Iranian origin who is not afraid to expose the cruelty of injustice. Just as in our country women have a so-called “right” to decide the fate of their unborn children when they are unwanted, so too in various countries around the world men are granted a so-called “right” to decide the life and death of their wives when they are unwanted and subsequently falsely accused of adultery. In such cases, the woman is also not considered a full-fledged human being—just as unborn children are not here.

The story is based on real events and follows a journalist who accidentally finds himself in a remote Iranian village. There, a local woman named Zahra tells him the story of her niece, Soraya, who has been unjustly accused of adultery. Her husband, eager for a divorce and a new wife, manipulates the village and religious authorities into sentencing Soraya to stoning.

The film gradually reveals how lies, fear, patriarchy, and fanaticism can combine into a deadly mix. And how the sole voice of truth—Zahra—fights against a system designed to silence its victims—in this case, women.

One might think that this film is exclusively about Iran and similar uncivilized countries. But that’s not the case. In a pale blue light, it’s also about countries like Slovakia. Because secularism is just as toxic and uncivilized as Islam. This is a film that should be required viewing in Slovak high schools, accompanied by commentary on the lawlessness that prevails in our country toward unborn children.

Drama

USA, 2008, 114 min

Cast: Cyrus Nowrasteh;

Crew: Shohreh Aghdashloo, Mozhan Navabi, Jim Caviezel, Navid Negahban, Parviz Sayyad, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Noor Taher, Vachik Mangassarian;

Parents Guide:

A conversation about Soray’s husband visiting prostitutes and wanting to leave her for another woman. Bruises from a beating by her husband. Repeated beatings of the woman. A woman is repeatedly struck in the head with stones. Later, she is stoned to death. Offering a cigarette and smoking. Wishing harm upon another person. Yelling at and insulting a woman in front of her children. Stealing belongings from a deceased person. False accusation of adultery.

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