The great lesson about filmmaking is never take "no" for an answer, especially if you have a lot of passion and inspiration to do something.

I think if religion closes discussion or exchange of ideas or curiosity about other views, it's not true to its core.

It's my experience that endings are never easy, and I think I'm not alone among filmmakers or writers in this.

The religion itself may have some great ideas, but I can't take it seriously if it's blatantly exclusionary.

I think film was my passion without it being declared like a job that I could have, or a career that I could have.

I think any spiritual experience that's worthwhile is not about ego and it will humble you in some way. And also, a Zen monk once said to me, 'If you're not laughing, then you're not getting it.'

I got put on jury duty, which is where I learned how to write.