The base of artistic pursuit is ambivalence and complexity. And that's what I try to do.

In Cuba and specifically in Havana there's a sort of energy that turns every situation into something unexpected.

Trips are part of humanity. Emigration is a part of humanity. And it's ever more dynamic due to globalization.

I don't think that the reality of Cuba is perfect, but it doesn't cleave to the negativity, either, with which some people see it.

Cuban public is special - they participate, generate a lot of energy, both in a positive and negative sense. It's always an expressive audience.

I think that this necessity to travel, to see, it's part of human nature.

What is happiness to me is not necessarily for you. Someone once said, there are three truths: your truth, my truth and the truth. And I think that's true.

It's true that in Cuba there are double standards, there's opportunism, and there is a lack of freedom in some ways.

The magic of film isn't just because of the big screen, or the acoustics, but the ineffable shared experience of going to the movies.

The Cuban public is hugely cinephile. It's a shame that most of the movie theaters are so deteriorated. The sense of spectacle has been lost a little, but even so, people continue to go.

In all of my movies I've tried to address the need for man - not just Cubans - to have a dream and to fight for that dream, even when he doesn't achieve it. It's a form of happiness.

There is a shade of red for every woman.

I do so love hearing people speak passionately on any subject, other than themselves.

The writing that so thrills and exhilarates you, as if you were dancing right next to the band, is barely audible to anyone else.

Who cares if somebody dances better? Doing my very best is rewarding internally.

Your kids grow up. I think they more than anything are making me feel as if, you know, you want to squeeze everything you got every single day out of this thing. Because it passes quick.

In this world of Maya, which is averse to the Lord, full of trials and tribulations, only patience, humility and respect for others are our friends for Hari bhajana.

Difficult People? I don't really know. I don't have those metrics.

When I perform on stage, I often pretend to be someone other than myself to bring a certain emotion or intent to a song.

There's something wrong with a mother who washes out a measuring cup with soap and water after she's only measured water in it.

I never thought of myself as a mogul, but it's really great to be in that position.