Persepolis

AS and A2 French students attended an introduction to the film Persepolis at the QFT Belfast yesterday. They listened to Dr Dominique Jeannerod, explaining in French, issues pertaining to the film - family life and relationships, gender issues, prejudice & racism, democracy and human rights, violence & conflict. Dr Jeannerod is a lecturer in the school of Languages,Literature and Performing Arts at Queen's University and has published articles on various aspects of French Culture and Film.

We found out where the title came from: "Perse" the French word for Persia (the ancient empire which stretched across Iran) and "Polis" the Greek word for city. (City of Persia.)

"Persepolis" was the ancient ceremonial capitol of the Persian Empire. Cyrus the Great chose the site (which is 70km northeast of Shiraz - not the wine region!) but his son, Darius the great was responsible for building the city around 500 B.C.

The film itself is an autobiographical coming-of-age French animation by graphic novelist Marjorie Satrapi. It is as funny as it is tragic. The film also charts the history of Iran, as well as how Satrapi eventually left her home country due to the regime's oppression of women. It is beautifully animated as we witness the trials faced by an outspoken Iranian girl who finds her unique attitude, and outlook on life, repeatedly challenged during the Islamic revolution.

Members of the sixth form language committee were so taken by it they have decided to show this film for our French Film night in February. So watch this space for more details about the upcoming screening at Shimna!

PS It says "Punk is not ded" on the back of the little girls T-shirt in case you can't read it :-)