'Chocolat' was a sort of statement of my own childhood, recognizing I experienced something from the end of the colonial era and the beginning of independence as I was a child that really made me aware of things I never forgot - a sort of childhood that made me different when I was a student in France.
I am always asked, 'You grew up in Africa?' Every time I introduce a film, or I'm interviewed, 'You grew up in Africa?'
I am the eldest child; it's lonely at the top.
Sometimes I feel like John Wayne.
I can be unkind to someone in the street or in the subway - I'm a bad-tempered person - but I'm unable to be unkind to a character. They exist because of me, and I have responsibility for them.
'White Material' is about courage and craziness.
I don't want to be mysterious.
In a way, I feel obliged to respect Jean Rouch because I am told he is very important.
It's not that I don't like words. There's sometimes no need for words.
I'm not a very brave person.
I've experienced love and ambition and desire in my life, but never in the same way as in a family.
Making pizza is a great job. All that kneading the dough - everything to do with cooking is wonderful, sensual.
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.
I hate the idea of growing accustomed to someone and being faithful.
