Marjane Satrapi, 'Persepolis' author and director, dies at 56

Marjane Satrapi, the Iranian-born author and film director famous for her autobiographical graphic novel 'Persepolis,' has died at the age of 56, AFP reported on the 4th (local time).

Satrapi's close associates said in a statement sent to AFP, "Satrapi passed away in grief, just over a year after the death of her husband and lifelong companion, Matthias Ripa." Matthias Ripa, a producer, actor, and screenwriter, died in April last year.

Born in Iran, Satrapi moved to France in 1994 and acquired French nationality in 2006. Through works such as 'Persepolis' and 'The Clothes I Wear,' she delicately depicted Iranian culture and the lives of women. 'Persepolis,' also adapted into an animated film, received the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007.

In July 2024, Satrapi was selected as a recipient of the Legion of Honour by the French government in recognition of her artistic achievements and contributions to the understanding of Iranian culture.

However, Satrapi refused the medal, criticizing France's hypocrisy towards Iran.

In a letter to the French Minister of Culture in January last year, Satrapi said, "I was moved by the recognition of my achievements and I am well aware of the symbolic meaning of this award, but after careful consideration, I have decided to refuse it."

She explained, "This decision is based on my cherished principles and my attachment to the Iran of my birth. I cannot ignore France's hypocritical attitude towards Iran, which is one side of my identity."

In a separate video message, she criticized, "While young Iranians who love freedom, dissidents, and artists are being denied visas, the children of Iran's ruling elite stroll through Paris and Saint-Tropez without any problems."

She added, "Supporting the Iranian women's revolution cannot be reduced to taking photos with victims or celebrities at a memorial for Mahsa Amini, who was arrested in 2022 for allegedly violating dress code regulations and died. What Iranians need is concrete action."

Satrapi, however, stated, "Refusing the medal is by no means an act against France. On the contrary, I deeply love this country. I just wish that France would be true to itself."