“Jane was my wicked stepmother: she was generous, affectionate and resourceful; she salvaged my schooling and I owe her an unknowable debt for that. One flaw: sometimes, early on, she would tell me things designed to make me think less of my mother, and I would wave her away, saying, 'Jane, this just”

“A small film from a small country, in Arabic with nonprofessionals: It was practically impossible. Just to make it was like a dream to me.”