Abbas Kiarostami quotes

Abbas Kiarostami was an acclaimed Iranian film director, screenwriter, and photographer, celebrated for his poetic and minimalist style. His works, such as "Taste of Cherry" and "Close-Up," have earned international recognition and numerous awards. He deeply influenced world cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers through his unique perspective. Here are 33 of his quotes:

The calling of art is to extract us from our daily reality, to bring us to a hidden truth that's difficult to access - to a level that's not material but spiritual.

Abbas Kiarostami

From my very first movie, what was my concentration, my inspiration, was I didn't want to narrate something, I didn't want to tell a story. I wanted to show something, I wanted for them to make their own story from what they were seeing.

Abbas Kiarostami

A work of art doesn't exist outside the perception of the audience.

Abbas Kiarostami

I never reflect or convey that which I have not experienced myself.

Abbas Kiarostami

My way of expression is full of complications and mystery because that's my perception of life.

Abbas Kiarostami

My films have been progressing towards a certain kind of minimalism, even though it was never intended. Elements which can be eliminated have been eliminated. This was pointed out to me by somebody who referred to the paintings of Rembrandt and his use of light: some elements are highlighted while others are obscured or even pushed back into the dark. And it's something that we do - we bring out elements that we want to emphasise. I'm not claiming or denying that I have done such a thing but I do believe in [Robert] Bresson's method of creation through omission, not through addition.

Abbas Kiarostami

In the total darkness, poetry is still there, and it is there for you.

Abbas Kiarostami

Cinema seats make people lazy. They expect to be given all the information. But for me, question marks are the punctuation of life.

Abbas Kiarostami

In order to be universal, you have to be rooted in your own culture.

Abbas Kiarostami

I have no advice for anyone on how to live.

Abbas Kiarostami

I spend a lot of time doing carpentry. Sometimes there is nothing that gives me the contentment that sawing a piece of wood does.

Abbas Kiarostami

Cinema gives you the opportunity to be both a grandparent and a grandchild whereas in life you cannot be both at the same time.

Abbas Kiarostami

When I talk to some of the younger filmmakers, they are so worried about their films that, eventually, this state of being worried reflects itself in and helps the final work. Whereas, with projects that are meticulously planned, you look at the end result and it is full of emptiness.

Abbas Kiarostami

The day we run out of petrol is the day Iran will be free.

Abbas Kiarostami

I never really learned photography.

Abbas Kiarostami

Everybody knows that I am not usually patient enough to actually sit down and watch one of my own films from the beginning to the end - I never do.

Abbas Kiarostami

My films have been progressing towards a certain kind of minimalism, even though it was never intended. Elements which can be eliminated have been eliminated.

Abbas Kiarostami

I really enjoy listening to stories. I remember them and keep them in my mind.

Abbas Kiarostami

I think Woody Allen is Woody Allen, and no matter where he goes he still makes his Woody Allen films.

Abbas Kiarostami

I think I really produce my best work in Iran.

Abbas Kiarostami

If you are a businessman or a politician in Iran, you can get a visa as quickly as you ask for it.

Abbas Kiarostami

To be international, you have to first be local. ... When you take a tree that is rooted in the ground, and transfer it from one place to another, the tree will no longer bear fruit. And if it does, the fruit will not be as good as it was in its original place. This is a rule of nature. I think if I had left my country, I would be the same as the tree.

Abbas Kiarostami