Persepolis discoveries

Tehran 1978: An eight year old Marjane, dreams of being a future prophet, intent on saving the world. Cherished by her modern and cultivated parents and adored by her grandmother, she avidly follows the events that lead to the downfall of the Shah's brutal regime. The introduction of the new Islamic Republic heralds the era of the 'Guardians of the Revolution' who control how people should dress and act. Marjane, who must now wear the veil, dreams of being a revolutionary. Soon after, the city is bombarded in the war against Iraq. With the deprivations brought on by the conflict and the routine disappearances of family members and loved ones, the daily repression becomes more severe each day. As her environment becomes increasingly dangerous, Marjane's rebelliousness poses a serious problem.

IFF Cannes 2007

I no longer go to Iran, because the rule of law does not exist there, so anything might happen to you. But I still have very deep ties to the country, in terms of the geography, the style of expression, the humor... So I do feel nostalgic, but, basically, I don't have the right to complain. I live in the city I choose, I do the work that I like, I live with the person I love… My duty is to smile and make people laugh. Laughter is the most subversive weapon there is.

Marjane Satrapi