Mine was an easy ride compared to Jackie Robinson's.

I lived in a country where I couldn't live where I wanted to live. I lived in a country where I couldn't go where I wanted to eat. I lived in a country where I couldn't get a job, except for those put aside for people of my colour or caste.

In America, it is difficult to be your own man.

My father was a certain kind of man - I saw how he treated my mother and his family and how he treated strangers. And I vowed I would never make a film that would not reflect properly on my father's name.

I am the me I choose to be.

There is not racial or ethnic domination of hopelessness. It's everywhere.

In my case, the body of work stands for itself... I think my work has been representative of me as a man.