If you can laugh with somebody and relate to somebody, it becomes harder to dehumanize them. I think that most of what we are constantly bombarded with in terms of media leads you to a creation of 'the Other' and a dehumanization of 'the Other,' and it's very much an us-versus-them conversation.

Look at the Civil Rights Movement. Look at any kind of fight for change. People had to keep fighting and taking their rights. Rights are never given to you. They have to be fought for and they have to be taken.

You know, Arabs are critical of United States foreign policy, but they also associate the U.S. with democratic principles and opportunity.

It's incredible to see the creativity, beauty and hardships people capture when filmmaking is opened up and shared with the world.

It's important in any project to remain focused.

If you can laugh with somebody and relate to somebody, it becomes harder to dehumanize them. I think that most of what we are constantly bombarded with in terms of media leads you to a creation of 'the Other' and a dehumanization of 'the Other,' and it's very much an us-versus-them conversation.

In making films, I'm constantly looking for people who are in conflict and who are going to surprise you and challenge you.