In Iran, the women are like Italian women, they rule the house inside. But it's full of life. The history is very rich. The mystic of the Middle Ages. We have to learn from them. They influence all the philosophers when they came to Europe all those many many years ago.

For me, acting goes to a special place; it's almost mystical. You have to let go of what you think is good; it's a jump into trust, and trying to reach without wanting too much.

For me, real, truthful moments come from a place that I don't know. If somebody was telling me, "You're going to lift your face like this, you're going to do this..." No! I don't want to know. Just let me live it.

I don't believe in coincidence.

The strong is not the one who can put on the blades at a glance, and the one who is able to raise a smile from his knees!

Each new film is like a trial. Before I step in front of the camera, I do not know whether I am going to fall or whether I am going to fly - and that is exactly the way I want it to stay.

I have stories that I'd like to maybe one day consider directing, but you need a lot of time to write and put it together.