A hush fell over the crowd Monday as the lights dimmed in preparation to start the show “The Stoning of Soraya M.” The quiet lasted the entire film only interrupted by the gasps and quiet sobs of the shocked audience.
The movie follows the tragic true story of an Iranian woman named Soraya who is falsely accused of adultery and brutally stoned to death.
Pepperdine’s Center for Entertainment Media and Culture hosted the event.
“Tonight is exactly the kind of thing we want to do said Craig Detweiler, director of the center.
Soraya’s abusive husband frames her to get out of giving her a divorce settlement. There is no opportunity for justice. Soraya is told, When a man accuses his wife she must prove her innocence.”
After Soraya’s brutal murder her Aunt Zahra will not give up until she has exposed the corruption that led to her niece’s death. She tells her story to a traveling French-Iranian journalist played by “Passion of the Christ’s” Jim Caviezel. The movie is based on the novel by Caviezel’s real-life character.
The themes of injustice and human rights were prevalent throughout the film which features the stoning in graphic disturbing detail.
“It’s devastating disturbing and haunting Detweiler said. A life-changing film.”
Director Cyrus Nowrasteh told viewers afterward that while it was a difficult story it needed to be told.
“There was a sense of responsibility on everyone’s part to do it right do it properly Nowrasteh said.I’m telling a story that first and foremost has to work on the level of drama. The fact that it’s true and that these practices still go on makes it a call to action.”
As a part of that call to action Pepperdine also welcomed the Center for Assault Treatment Services (CATS) to the event. CATS based in Northridge had a table in the back of the auditorium which distributed fliers to raise awareness and funds for the care of sexual assault victims.
“‘Stoning’ shines a spotlight on an unexplained and desperately important and timely issue of women’s rights Detweiler said.
Audience members were impressed by the intensity of the film.
Everybody should see it junior Katharyn Blair said. I thought it was amazing fantastic.”
However the shocking violence may be too much for some students. The movie is rated R and was done by the same special effects artists “The Passion of the Christ.”
“This is a difficult movie Detweiler said. This movie is not for everyone.”
However Detweiler mentioned that he had seen videos of real stonings and “the real thing is far worse than anything you’ll see in this movie.”
The film finished second in the audience choice category at the Toronto Film Festival and is showing in select theaters.