There are a number of parallels between the slums of Brazil and those found in my hometown, Karachi. The dichotomy that exists in Brazil is uncannily similar to that found in Pakistan, and I hope to one day make a film that follows similar themes.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

I feel that for the first time in a long time, educated Pakistanis are returning to their country to start up educational projects, to start up businesses, so instead of the brain-drain that happened in the 1950s and 1960s, the country is growing and improving economically.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from - if you put quality work out there, it will be appreciated.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

The young boys I speak with say to me: Why would I want to live in this world - where they rely on charity, dry pieces of bread and water, where they are subjected to harsh treatment, when they can be free and be the envy of their colleagues in the afterlife. They are only too eager to sign on the dotted line and join the ranks of the Taliban.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

There are a number of parallels between the slums of Brazil and those found in my hometown, Karachi. The dichotomy that exists in Brazil is uncannily similar to that found in Pakistan, and I hope to one day make a film that follows similar themes.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

I think perhaps Pakistan can take the lead. Perhaps Turkey can as well, being part of Europe. But someone has to start talking about why the Muslim world has become a boiling pot and look beyond these cartoons to what the ideological reasons are for this divide.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

My films are motivated by a keen interest in highlighting issues that affect marginalized populations who are caught in difficult circumstances.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Don't give up your dreams.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

I'm generally quite an angry person, and I like to channel my anger toward something creative.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Fighting the Taliban and the various radical organizations on the front lines is like adding a Band-Aid to a cut, it may stop the bleeding but unless you clean it with antiseptic, the germs stay and multiply.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

By bringing the voices of the ordinary people faced with extraordinary challenges to television screens around the world, I hope to affect change in one community at a time.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

It takes one second to ruin a woman's life.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

I believe in telling the truth.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

I hope I can make Pakistan proud by bringing home an Oscar.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

In terms of 'Saving Face,' I was inspired by the stories of survivors who didn't let their attacks stop them from pursuing justice and seeking treatment.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

My family restores my sense of ease and keeps me balanced.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

When I'm not working on the ground, spending time with my husband and daughter puts me at ease.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

An Academy Award nomination is stuff dreams are made of.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

I'd like to do a film in Canada, but it's too difficult. National Film Board funding takes too long, and there's too much paperwork; by the time the film is approved the topic is dead and gone.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

What good is my parents' wealth and education and upbringing if I'm not contributing to the world?

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

My topics are timely. When an event is happening is when I want to be there... I think it is our duty to challenge the status quo.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy