Lecture on Marjane Satrapi and Françoise Mouly

Marjane Satrapi

Birthplace: Iran
Current Residence: Paris
Professions: Filmmaker, Illustrator, Graphic Novelist, Children's Book Author
Notable Works:
- Persepolis: Animated film and graphic novel about her coming-of-age during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Premiered in Cannes in 2007.
- Chicken with Plums: Film about her great-uncle, a renowned musician. Debut at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Unique Approach: Combines political history with memoir. Started her stories as graphic novels before turning them into films.

Birthplace: Paris
Current Residence: New York since the 1970s
Profession: Art Editor of The New Yorker since 1993, overseeing over 900 covers
Achievements:
- Launched RAW, a large-format magazine of comics, graphics, and illustrated texts (1980-1991).
- Founded Toon Books, a collection of hardcover comics for emerging readers (2008).
- Considered the most important comics editor of the last 30 years.

Both share a commonality in starting their stories as graphic novels before branching into films. Their works demonstrate a deep connection with storytelling through visual arts.

Inspiration:
- Influenced by meeting Art Spiegelman and reading his work, Maus, which played a pivotal role in her decision to pursue graphic novels.
Education:
- Attended art school in France, which offered opportunities not available in Iran (like life drawing), despite initial challenges adapting to a new culture.
Career Challenges:
- Faced rejection in Paris and attempted several different careers before finding success with Persepolis.

Satrapi's transition from graphic novels to films wasn't planned; it arose out of opportunities and encouragement from others.
Emphasizes the different narrative languages between comics and cinema, highlighting the active involvement required in comic reading vs. the passive experience of film watching.
Persepolis film was made under specific conditions to stay true to the original material, insisting on hand-drawn, 2D, black and white animation.

Satrapi finds filmmaking both exhilarating and challenging, comparing it to the highs and lows of taking hard drugs.
Despite the success, she is always looking to explore new mediums and tells stories that resonate with universal themes of humanity and identity.

Emphasizes the importance of selecting projects that are personally fulfilling.
Plans to explore painting next, highlighting her continual evolution as an artist.