I didn't really think in terms of clichés or non-clichés.

I grew up in and identify with and that she works and exists in.

This film [ Blue is the Warmest Color] actually is the result of me talking with my producer Vincent [Maraval]. I gave him a bunch of ideas and then Vincent helped guide me and develop this particular film. I enjoy that rapport to have somebody else help guide me in my choices for the next film. The poetic way of looking at it is which project is going to choose me as a director.

My film (Black Venus) had been very emotionally draining and difficult because I had identified so much with the lead character, Saartjie Baartman.

I didn't really think in terms of clichés or non-clichés.

The writing of the script is a continual process. There's the first draft and then many, many re-writes here and there.

To use an image, making a film is like climbing a mountain or crossing an ocean. Every day has its challenges.