17 Quotes by Abbas Kiarostami

Abbas Kiarostami was an Iranian filmmaker and photographer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. He is best known for his minimalist, contemplative films that explore themes of human relationships, nature, and spirituality. Kiarostami’s films often feature non-professional actors and are shot on location, giving them a sense of realism and authenticity. He was a master of visual storytelling and his films often used poetic and metaphorical imagery to convey deeper meanings. Kiarostami was also an accomplished photographer and his work has been exhibited in galleries around the world. He was a true artist who used his talents to explore the human condition and connect people across cultures and borders. (Bio)

Abbas Kiarostami Quotes


I prefer the films that put their audience to sleep in the theater. Some films have made me doze off in the theater, but the same films have made me stay up at night, wake up thinking about them in the morning, and keep on thinking about them for weeks.

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A movie is about human beings, about humanity.

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

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

I have no advice for anyone on how to live.

We are nothing but a link between our culture and what we can actually produce.

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

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

It’s true that the best way of knowing yourself is to put yourself into different situations.

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

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I never really learned photography.

I do believe in [Robert] Bresson’s method of creation through omission, not through addition.

A work of art doesn’t exist outside the perception of the audience. (Meaning)

Anything I’ve not experienced I do not look to for a subject. I have to feel it.

As soon as people enter a theater they must become moron consumers who must be fed information.

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.

Question marks are the punctuation of life. (Meaning)

― Abbas Kiarostami Quotes

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Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.

 
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