I think I really produce my best work in Iran.

I think that in life, being is nothing but an illusion. If we acknowledge that and accept the fact that we are in between states, that we are moving, and this movement is the nature of our lives, and we stop having aspirations for being in a definite state, we know life better and are able to enjoy it better.

As soon as people enter a theater they must become moron consumers who must be fed information.

A work of art doesn't exist outside the perception of the audience.

The day we run out of petrol is the day Iran will be free.

Close-Up has affected later films that I've made.

I really think that I don't mind people sleeping during my films, because I know that some very good films might prepare you for sleeping or falling asleep or snoozing. It's not to be taken badly at all.