A small number of places are still available. Priority to County Durham schools

Special schools’ screening – Wednesday 9 November 

0930 – 1500    GalaDurham and at Durham University 

Schools may apply for up to 10 pupil places at this special screening which is followed by workshops at the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham University. Pupils are asked to bring their own packed lunch. 

Schedule 

0920 Pupils arrive at GalaDurham 

0930 Introduction to day 

Brief presentation by staff from library about the graphic novel 

The film, its plot and cinema 

1000 Persepolis 

1200 Lunch 

1300 Workshops at university 

1500 Schools leave 

Plot 

The film is presented in a black and white graphic novel style. In 1970s Iran, Marjane ‘Marji’ Satrapi watches events through her young eyes and her idealistic family of a long dream being fulfilled of the Shah’s defeat in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. However as Marji grows up, she witnesses first hand how the new Iran, now ruled by Islamic fundamentalists, has become repressive state. With Marji dangerously refusing to remain silent at this injustice, her parents send her abroad to Vienna to study for a better life. However, this change proves an equally difficult trial with the young woman finding herself in a different culture loaded with challenging characters and profound disappointments that deeply trouble her. Even when she returns home, Marji finds that both she and homeland have changed too much and the young woman and her loving family must decide where she truly belongs. 

The maximum capacity on the day is 80. Schools are limited to 10 pupils per group to allow more schools to take part.  

Schools must commit to attending for the full day ; from 0930 – 1500. 

Attendance is free of charge to schools , but schools must cover own transport and pupils and staff must bring their own lunch.