Stars of 'Stoning' hope for remedy

LOS ANGELES The movie, directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh, is based on a true story about an Iranian woman who was framed for adultery, and then tortured and stoned to death for the crime. Oscar nominee Shoreh Aghdashloo plays Zahra, the doomed woman's aunt, whose re-telling of the story to a journalist led to a book and now this movie.

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Aghdashloo says she read the script, immediately read it again, and then called the director.

"I thought if the movie is going to be as entertaining, educating and illuminating as the screenplay, I must be in it," said Aghdashloo. "I said, 'Cyrus, I'm in.'"

Mozhan Marno plays the young woman who was unjustly accused, all because it suited her husband's needs. For both actresses, it was important to get the word out that this type of torture still goes on in some parts of the world.

"Unfortunately, it sounds like it's happening in biblical times, and it's been happening since Stone Age -- some in the Islamic world still harbor stoning," said Aghdashloo.

"I think if we can create a climate of social responsibility and awareness, I think that would be a great triumph for this film, if people came away with that," said Marno.

"That's why we're bringing it to your attention, because when awareness is brought about, then we can hope for a remedy," said Aghdashloo.

"The Stoning of Soraya M." is rated R and is playing now in limited release.

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