Marjane Satrapi was born in Rasht, Iran. She now lives in Paris, where she is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers throughout the world, including the New Yorker and the New York Times. She is the author of Persepolis, Persepolis 2, Embroideries, Chicken with Plums, and several children's books. She cowrote and codirected the animated feature film version of Persepolis, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
“It's fear that makes us lose our conscience. It's also what transforms us into cowards.”
“When we're afraid, we lose all sense of analysis and reflection. Our fear paralyzes us. Besides, fear has always been the driving force behind all dictators' repression.”
“In every religion, you find the same extremists.”
“I have always thought that if women's hair posed so many problems, God would certainly have made us bald.”
“Anyway, that's how it is! Either they obey the law, or they're expelled!! And make sure they wear their veils correctly..." - "If hair is as stimulating as you say, then you need to shave your moustache!" My father actually said that.”
“People don't know anymore why we've had eight years of war. Why their children have died...This entire war was just a big setup to destroy both the Iranian and the Iraqi armies. The former was the most powerful in the Middle East in 1980, and the latter represented a real danger to Israel. The West sold weapons to both camps and we, we were stupid enough to enter into this cynical game...eight years of war for nothing! So now the state names streets after martyrs to flatter the families of the victims. In this way, perhaps, they'll find some meaning in all this absurdity.”
“War always takes you by surprise.”
“I rushed to the living room to protect myself from I don't know what, behind my best friend, a book.”
One can forgive but one should never forget.”
“I learned that you should always shout louder than your aggressor.”
“The Germans sell chemical weapons to Iran and Iraq. The wounded are then sent to Germany to be treated. Veritable human guinea pigs.”
“I wanted to be an educated, liberated woman. And if the pursuit of knowledge meant getting cancer, so be it.”
“I wanted to be justice, love and the wrath of God all in one”
“W here are you going on vacation?”“Nowhere. I’m going to read. I love reading.”
“Don't let it get to you, mom! The Western media also fights against us. That's where our reputation as fundamentalists and terrorists comes from." "You're right. Between one's fanaticism and the other's disdain, it's hard to know which side to choose.
“Guns may shoot and knives may carve, but we won't wear your silly scarves!”
Variety: Toronto Film Review: ‘Radioactive’ (2019)
Vogue: Emma Watson Interviews Persepolis Author Marjane Satrapi (2016)
Variety: Uma Thurman, Alexandra Daddario Join Marjane Satrapi’s ‘Extraordinary Journey’ (2016)
New York Public Library: Marjane Satrapi | Paul Holdengräber (2015) [video]
Harvard Political Review: Reframing the Axis of Evil (2014)
The Toledo Blade: ‘Words are never enough,’ says 'Persepolis' author Marjane Satrapi (2014)
Independent: Marjane Satrapi interview: ‘I’m in love with a serial killer’ (2014)
Hollywood Reporter: The Voices: Sundance Review (2014)
Fast Company: Author And Filmmaker Marjane Satrapi On Creating Across Boundaries (2012)