Claire Denis

Growing up outside your own country makes you feel that you don't belong when you return, so you feel free to make friends with whomever you like.

A career for me is something like building a bridge. You know, where to put the lifts. You have a plan. I have a blueprint for each film, but not for my life.

I didn't foresee my career. Things happen.

Making pizza is a great job. All that kneading the dough - everything to do with cooking is wonderful, sensual.

I can't imagine a society with absolutely no solidarity. For me, it's a nightmare. And I don't want to live in a place like that.

I always thought of Djibouti as a place where human history hasn't really begun yet - or perhaps it's already over. There's something in the landscape that's stronger than human civilisation. There's no agriculture, for example, and there are live volcanoes.

For some reason, I have always been interested in the stories of people who are exiled and who are deprived of rights. My main motive to make a film is to keep the society in mind and the hospitality adhered.

The only thing I find interesting is self-interest.

I listen to a lot of different kinds of music.

I hate the idea of growing accustomed to someone and being faithful.

I'm not a very brave person.

In a way, I feel obliged to respect Jean Rouch because I am told he is very important.