Farhadi: Humanity Unites Us Beyond Borders

Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, celebrated for his Oscar-winning films, shared insights on achieving international success by focusing on universal human experiences. He posited that media often amplifies differences, obscuring the shared emotions and humanity that connect people globally. Farhadi suggested that genuine local stories, rooted in authentic human experiences, achieve the greatest universal appeal.

Farhadi also reflected on the nature of success, describing it as potentially dangerous due to the distance it can create between an artist and the public. He advised aspiring filmmakers against pursuing success directly, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the filmmaking process itself. He praised fellow director Mike Leigh's unique collaborative approach to filmmaking and expressed a desire to continue making films throughout his life.