Having an international voice is not really about whether we speak Persian or any other language.

I do believe in [Robert] Bresson's method of creation through omission, not through addition.

If I do continue to have the opportunity to work in Iran, that's very much what I'd prefer to do.

The fact of having this very new context, this unheard-of way of working, for me was very pleasant. I didn't feel that I was working, that I had any kind of burden to wear, to carry. I really was very happy and very lighthearted during the whole process of making the film [Certified Copy], of shooting it.

You've noticed that same joke told by two different people, once works, and the other time doesn't, simply because how the person edits it. The silences, the pauses, what they neglect, what they emphasize - all of this matters.

We don't look at each other [in the car], but instead do so only when we want to. We're allowed to look around without appearing rude. We have a big screen in front of us and side views. Silence doesn't seem heavy or difficult.

I would be too selfish if I said everyone should see my movies more than once. To say that would mean I'm just marketing my work!