I began to exercise a lot of cinematic muscle with the precepts I had learned in the New York art world. Film was intriguing. I began to think of art as elitist, whereas film was not.

I'm drawn to filmmaking that can transport me. Film can immerse you, put you there.

The journey for women, no matter what venue it is - politics, business, film - it's, it's a long journey.

I don't want to be made pacified or made comfortable. I like stuff that gets your adrenaline going.

Something becomes personal when it deviates from the norm.

Whereas painting is a more rarefied art form, with a limited audience, I recognized film as this extraordinary social tool that could reach tremendous numbers of people.

It's irrelevant who or what directed a movie; the important thing is that you either respond to it or you don't.

Cinema has the capacity to be so physiological.

There should be more women directing; I think there's just not the awareness that it's really possible.

Films don't cause violence, people do. Violence defines our existence. To shield oneself is more dangerous than trying to reflect it.

I need to have my hands on the DNA of a film.

Have you ever thought your friend or loved one had issues and you kept praying for God to change them? Have you ever thought it could be you just need to change your attitude?

Empowerment is never about blame

The time making money should be greater than the time that you are spending money.

Because of the time we're in, it's so easy to just blend all of it together and it's kind of like you're listening to everything all at once.

I've spoken to people who I swear can tell the future.

My dad is a loving person. He would never disown me. At some point we will be together again. I love my father, and he loves me.

I play piano, by ear. Yes, I write songs... and good ones.

Don't give up in your goals in life, I'm a perfect example of how dreams can come true.

The hours trip rapidly away, hiding their dreams in their skirts.

I drank water from your spring and felt the current take me.