On the evening of June 17, Vital Voices and Human Rights Watch joined to host the screening of independent film ‘The Stoning of Soraya M.’.  It is a powerful true story about a village’s persecution of an innocent woman, of the forces that plot against her, of those who surrender to a mob, and of the one woman who dares to stand for what is right.  In a story with a reach that extends beyond stoning, beyond the particulars of geography, religion or culture, there is a pervasive sense of injustice that ultimately sheds light on the global issue of violence against women, and the universal need for adequate human rights protections.

Adapted by director Cyrus Nowrasteh from the book of French-Iranian journalist Freidoune Sahebjam, ‘The Stoning of Soraya M.’ depicts the events of Sahebjam’s travels through a village in 1994.

Academy Award nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo portrays ‘Zahra,’ aunt and impassioned advocate of ‘Soraya,’ played by Mozhan Marn. When Soraya is unjustly condemned to a violent death, Zahra is the voice of courage that will tell the world of Soraya. Insistent, resigned, Zahra tells Freidoune Sahebjam, played by actor Jim Caviezel:

“Voices of women do not matter here. Take my voice with you.”

Actress Shohreh Aghdashloo speaking during the panel discussion as filmmaker, Cyrus Nowrasteh, looks on.

A panel held following the screening featured Vital Voices Director of Human Rights Cindy Dyer, who described the message of the film as ultimately being about violations of fundamental human rights:

“It is not just about stoning. It is about violence against women. It is about human rights.”

‘The Stoning of Soraya M.’ was screened earlier on June 17 to members of Congress in an event hosted by the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Director of Human Rights Cindy Dyer introduced the film, and a panel discussion followed.

Film site- The Stoning of Soraya M.