For me, Iran was paradise, and I believe it's a paradise still, but only if you don't have political problems. If you have a political problem, paradise turns into hell. Golshifteh Farahani helliranparadise Change image and share on social
The Iran I'm dreaming of maybe doesn't exist anymore. Golshifteh Farahani anymoredreamexist Change image and share on social
Independent cinema is more thoughtful, delicate. While Western blockbusters can have their own kind of delicateness, it's not delicate enough. You have to be ready to compromise to enter that field. I will do so only if it's worth it. Golshifteh Farahani blockbustercinemacompromise share on social
In my life, my parents wanted me to be a musician, I was supposed to go to Vienna to study piano. But this train wanted to go in another direction. Golshifteh Farahani directionlifemusician Change image and share on social
I'm coming out of the belly of Iran. It was the only place I was free. It's funny - when I say that, everyone is like, 'What? Freedom?' But the freedom I felt in Iran I've never felt anywhere else. Freedom of mind, freedom of time, of spirit. But after a while, you're so wounded that if you continue thinking about Iran, it will kill you. Golshifteh Farahani bellycomecontinue share on social
I don't believe I could live in Iran again. A tree, once uprooted from the earth, is very difficult to plant again. Golshifteh Farahani difficultearthiran Change image and share on social
Exile is like death. You cannot understand it until it happens to you. Golshifteh Farahani deathexileunderstand Change image and share on social
Iranian parents can't stop their children. They're just wild - they want to party, they want their rights, they want to paint, they want to dance. No one can stop these new generations coming. That's why Iran has to open up: it's like a pot full of hot water, vapour and steam. Golshifteh Farahani childcomedance share on social
I had to tell people I was not born with a scarf because I came out Iran. People think you came out of your mother with a scarf; they can't imagine that the scarf is not stuck to your head. Golshifteh Farahani bearheadimagine Change image and share on social
I was born into an artistic family, and they understood me. But they were really worried, because some of the stuff I did was dangerous. If I'd been caught without the veil with a shaved head, I don't know what would have happened. Golshifteh Farahani artisticbearcatch share on social