I prefer the countryside to cities. This is also true of my films: I have made more films in rural societies, and villages, than in towns.

While shooting Ten I was sitting in the backseat, but I didn't interfere. Sometimes, I was following in another car, so I was not even present on the "set", because I thought they would work better in my absence.

I really enjoy listening to stories. I remember them and keep them in my mind.

I don't ask my students to have studied film or any education in general. What I ask them is to come and sit and tell me a story, and the way they choose it and tell it, for me, the best criteria for whether they are right for making films. There's nothing more important than being able to tell your story orally.

My car is my best friend. My office. My home. My location. I have a very intimate sense when I am in a car with someone next to me. We're in the most comfortable seats because we're not facing each other, but sitting side by side.

I don't like reverse-angle shots - I find them very fake and very untruthful to the viewer.

If you are a businessman or a politician in Iran, you can get a visa as quickly as you ask for it.