My inspiration is my life, what I see happening around me. It can be history and, quite often, plain traditional fairy tales. But I never adapt; I nourish myself with old stories, and then create my own tales.

One gets used to success very quickly. The surprise was how deep and enduringly I was touching people, in such different places and throughout generations.

No matter what the level of funding or success may be, there's always money missing, and you still want to have a gorgeous image, an endless cast and a flawless rendering.

I never seem to be able to sell my films correctly in the U.S. The U.S. defends itself on its own turf.

All of my films are based on personal experiences and beliefs. Many of my heroes are my spokespeople - and some are not!

I won't tell you how many hours a day I work because you wouldn't believe it. But don't worry; I am in bed at 11 p.m., sleep well and get up early, without an alarm clock.

I've always felt that I've made films, period. I wanted to leave the "ghetto." And here I am, I'm out.