When I came to know theater, drama became valuable to me.

Working with children is very different than the way in which I work with adults. I never tell the children the actual truth of the thing that I want them to act. Although children are really into play and play acting, and this is a major part of their existence, they never actually find the playing or acting of adults credible.

There are those who simply want to live their lives, and feel they cannot live the way they want to in Iran. Others are ideologically motivated: They will stay no matter what and try to change things.

Often times, music is used to evoke an emotion and it's become a cliche, so I don't want to do that, and actually what I do, is that emotional intensity that has developed throughout the film, I allow it to get released by having that music at the end with the credits.

One of the biggest blessings in my life is that I have a very wonderful family, a lovely wife and two lovely daughters.

It's very difficult to talk about religion in Iran because religion has gotten so mixed up with politics.

I feel its important to talk about the complex issues affecting us.