Young Programmers Festival 2025: Persepolis 12A

This film is F-Rated

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From the archive

This film was last shown on 15 February 2025

Join us for a special screening of the award-winning animated film, Persepolis. Based on Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel of the same name, this poignant coming-of-age story follows a young girl growing up during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. The film traces Satrapi's growth from child to rebellious, punk-loving teenager in Iran. In the background are the growing tensions of the political climate in Iran in the 70s and 80s, with members of her liberal-leaning family detained and then executed, and the background of the disastrous Iran/Iraq war.

The film beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of adolescence in a tumultuous time. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the powerful storytelling and stunning animation of Persepolis on the big screen.

This screening will be preceded by an introduction and screening of short film That One Day by Crystal Moselle.

Please note there will be no adverts or trailers before this screening.

Statement from the Young Programmers:
We love Persepolis not only as it is such a beautiful film, but because of its engagement with pertinent themes connected to teenage nihilism such as feelings of disillusionment and despair as Marjane navigates adolescence in a tumultuous political landscape. Throughout the film, Marjane experiences loss, betrayal, and trauma, which ultimately lead her to question the meaning of life and struggle to find a sense of purpose, echoing the feelings of many teens globally but with her story set in a specifically tense environment. Ultimately, "Persepolis" explores the ways in which teenage nihilism can arise from experiences of trauma, societal oppression, and existential questioning. Marjane's journey serves as a poignant reflection on the complexities of adolescence and the struggle to find meaning in a world that seems devoid of hope.

Our film season is important to audiences as it explores the ways in which films can give voices to young people and their concerns in a world where they feel unheard. Modern young perspectives are more important than ever in shaping the future we want to see and even the portrayals of teenager’s cynical outlooks are eye-opening, moving and worthy of seeing on the big screen. Through this, our film season encourages audiences to reflect on their own teenage years, and suggest that teenage angst may be less about despair and more about a rejection of traditional narratives and a desire to forge your own path in a world where nothing seems to be set in stone.