The Struggles of a Refugee in Paris; Interview with Mana Nystani

It is often said that forced migration or exile for writers and artists in non-democratic countries signifies the end of their careers. However, among Iranians, there are a few who have turned migration into an opportunity for more writing and creation. One of them is Mana Nystani, a cartoonist and creator of Iranian comic works. After migrating, Mana Nystani has published several works, the latest of which was released this summer in Paris in French. Mana Nystani is our guest this week. "Welcome, Mana, to the program 'Far and Near View'. We want to take a look at your latest works. Let's start with your latest book, which you published in French and is a guide." Mana Nystani: "I am also very pleased to be with you. The reality is that perhaps the translation of this book into Persian may not be very meaningful because its original title is in French, and if we were to say it literally, it would be 'A Small Guide for a Complete Political Refugee' or 'How to Be a Model and Complete Refugee in France'." From its name, it seems that this book is a guide. What is its specific subject? "Of course, the title is somewhat ironic and humorous. It is a kind of parody of guidebooks like management guides, cooking guides, and simple job guides. This one covers the steps of obtaining asylum for a political refugee in France, a sort of illustrated joke about the administrative and bureaucratic processes involved. The book is published as a comic strip or comic book for French-speaking audiences in a compact format that is portable. However, we should not mistake that the book is for the refugees themselves. I wanted the ordinary French citizen to understand the environment that refugees are in. 'How to Be a Model and Complete Refugee in France', Mana Nystani's new illustrated book, can actually be described as a critical comic about the subject it addresses." "Exactly. And I have tried very hard to ensure it is not one-sided. Part of the book criticizes the bureaucracy and administrative environment and the everyday problems of refugees here. This issue mainly pertains to my own experiences and those of refugees who have political problems. Another part relates to the refugees themselves, the tricks they sometimes use, and the fake documentation they create. I tried to open a window on the entire subject and not just present one side of it." "The booklet you prepared refers more to a time when refugees were accepted very systematically and orderly through the UN and followed a path to enter France. Their numbers were not as high compared to today's conditions. However, we are currently in a time when we are facing a flood of refugees to Europe, including France. It seems that these refugees will now face a different situation." "Yes, that is correct. The issue of refugees and migrants in France is not a one-day or two-day issue. It has been a significant issue for years. It has been one of the topics discussed by presidential candidates in every election, and all candidates have made promises regarding it. Generally, if the candidates were socialist and left-leaning, they promised to support refugees and improve their conditions, and if they were right-leaning, they threatened to close the doors to migrants. In any case, this has been a constant issue in elections in France. Recent events have intensified the situation." "Now Mr. Francois Hollande has announced that France will accept more than 25,000 refugees. If this happens, France will soon face a wave of these refugees. Do you think this issue could also be a basis for you to prepare another book on this subject? How do you see this topic?" "Of course, it could be that way. The reality is that this process is very complex and has many stages. The entry of these migrants into the country is one issue, and what happens to them afterward is another issue. In the middle of this, I want to open a parenthesis. Recently, a film by Jacques Audiard called 'Dheepan' has been shown, which actually won the top prize at the Cannes Festival, and its subject is about the story of refugees and what happens to them after they arrive in France, where they are housed, and what conditions they live in. This film shows that many of them live in the suburbs around Paris in complexes that have very poor conditions, and gradually they get involved with mafia gangs and traffickers that create problems. In fact, there is no serious thought about the fate of these individuals, many of whom come from war-torn countries and have many issues and complexes. These people need a calmer and more comfortable environment. The film 'Dheepan' displays such an environment. And now, with the arrival of new migrants and refugees, these issues will multiply several times. Therefore, I have no doubt that we will see more artistic works, films, books, and so on on this topic." "In the short time we have, let’s take a look at two previous works you published. One was a collection of cartoons that you had previously published online, and the other was an illustrated memoir titled 'Iranian Metamorphosis'. If you could briefly explain these two works for listeners who are interested in your work." "Of course, in the meantime, I also published an online book called 'Hugoopsy' or the last part of Mr. K's story, which is in Persian and can be obtained through the Amazon website. But as for a book available in bookstores in France, I must say my first book was a graphic novel or comic titled 'Iranian Metamorphosis', which was first published in French in 2012 and later in various languages like Italian, Spanish, English, German, and even Portuguese in Brazil. Also, in 2013, a collection of 200 of my independent cartoons was published in France called 'Everything is Fine'. And the last one is this book about refugees. You are among those who are very active in migration, and migration has not stopped your work. Do you have any new work in preparation that you would like to announce on this program?" "Yes. Right now, I am working on my next comic book, which I have discussed with the publisher, and its publication is almost certain. If I were to reveal the subject, it is about Saeed Hanaei, the famous 'Spider Killer' who was active around ten to fifteen years ago in Mashhad. A documentary made by Maziar Bahari about this killer greatly affected me, and now based on that, I am creating a comic book."