“Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi is the next planned featured topic in the University of Maine at Farmington’s New Commons project.

“Persepolis” is Satrapi’s autobiographical coming-of-age story of growing up in Iran during the tumultuous political climate of the 1970s and ’80s. It follows her life of heartache and survival through pre- and post-revolutionary Iran, according to a news release from the university.

Satrapi first told her story as an adult, autobiographical graphic novel in 2000. The film adaptation premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and won the Jury Prize.

All events are free and open to the public. According to UMF COVID protocol, masks are required in all campus indoor spaces. Attendees are asked to sign in at all events for contact tracing.

The UMF New Commons events focused on “Persepolis” will run between Wednesday, Feb. 9 through Monday, Feb. 21:

• Book Giveaway & Reading Group, Wednesdays, Feb. 9 and 16, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Farmington Public Library, 2101 Farmington Ave.

Visit the library to pick up a complimentary copy of Marjane Satrapi’s “Persepolis” and Liz Prince’s “Tomboy,” while copies are available. The reading group will be meeting in the first two weeks of February. Email vanessa@farmingtonlibrarymaine.org for more information about the reading group.

• Faculty Panel: The Cultural Context of Persepolis, Monday, Feb. 7, 11:45 a.m.- 1 p.m., Emery Community Arts Center, Main Street.

Join Professors Waleck Dalpour, Nasser Rohani, Ali Geshnizjani, and Linda Beck in a conversation about “Persepolis” that delves into Iranian history and culture.

• Film Screening: “Persepolis,” Saturday, Feb. 12, 7-9 p.m. Emery Community Arts Center

Join a screening of the film adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s “Persepolis.” Discussion to follow.

• Keynote: “Persepolis” and the Autobiographical Comic Book, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Emery Community Arts Center

Award-winning writer and cartoonist Prince examines why comics are a powerful storytelling tool and where Satrapi’s work fits into the medium. Learn about the wildly different styles of cartooning that can educate, entertain, and emotionally connect people.

• Workshop: Make Your Own Comic Book, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 5-8 p.m. The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center, South Street.

Prince will teach how to create a cartoon version of one’s self, and to write and draw a six-page mini-comic biography. All skill levels are welcome.

The project provides an offering of free events including expert talks, discussions, films, workshops and more, many online, for the education and enjoyment of people in Maine and beyond.

The project is a public humanities initiative of UMF, Maine’s public liberal arts college, in partnership with the Maine Humanities Council. It is made possible by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

To learn more about the project, and to view many of the events for the first 12 topics, visit newcommonsproject.org.

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