Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

Growing up biracial and speaking four languages - French, Chinese, Portuguese, and English - gave me a different lens. I was always very acutely aware of coming from a different perspective. I think that definitely contributed to what I chose to do with my life.

In the past, I think my films that focused on African subjects struggled in the marketplace because of their subject matter.

I always wonder about the word 'intense.' 'Intense' is used to describe women. Guys are intense, but they don't get described that way.

I've always sought to give opportunities to women, to people who come from a different background, to add diversity to the mix - in that I think it makes our work better.

There's something about 'Free Solo' that I look at the craft around it, and I'm really proud.

There are very few things of virtuosity or genius that you can actually witness.

Free Solo' has got nothing to do with politics, so to speak, but why are audiences responding to it in the degree that they did? I think it's because we give people an opportunity to see someone. Also, he's able to connect when you don't think he could connect. It's a respite.

There have been some wonderful climbing films, but for the most part, they are reenactments.

My love was always in books. I was just one of those avid readers. Films came later, but the stories were always present.

You just hope that your kids find what they love to do and abide by the law and make good decisions. The best you can do is instill such values in them.

The mission of professional mountain climbers is almost impossibly difficult by design: Their very livelihood is based on achieving the unprecedented. Their expeditions are complicated, exhausting, often life-threatening. Risk is the fuel that keeps them going.

As a director, people are trusting you with their lives, with their stories.