I think the first film you do with your instincts because you haven't learned with another director or you haven't worked on other films, so you tend to do things your own way. I think what I learned the most was to take your time, to try to be less rushed into things and have some distance with what you're doing.

I want to keep talking about my people and my country in my own language.

It's a different point of view on the world and it's different issues and it's important. It's healthy to have both, and more and more women are becoming of aware of that. And when you are aware of how strong of an impact it has on people - it changes things.

When people say to me, 'You make us proud,' it's heartwarming to hear that.

A small film from a small country, in Arabic with nonprofessionals: It was practically impossible. Just to make it was like a dream to me.

I thought if my son was now eighteen years old and he was tempted to join the fight and take the burden of protecting his family - because it's always tempting especially for young men - what would I do as a mother to stop him?

I don't like to be feared, and I can't work in conflict, I'm very bad with conflict. I try to avoid it, it paralyzes me.