Jehane Noujaim Quotations

Look at the Civil Rights Movement. Look at any kind of fight for change. People had to keep fighting and taking their rights. Rights are never given to you. They have to be fought for and they have to be taken.

I'll continue making films because I love being able to drop into other people's worlds. My goal is to be constantly learning.

Al Jazeera is demonized by the United States, yet in Egypt my father would be watching it.

In making films, I'm constantly looking for people who are in conflict and who are going to surprise you and challenge you.

When I hear the words 'activist filmmaking,' I think of somebody who's an activist, who wants to prove a particular point.

Being a filmmaker is kind of like being a glorified spy.

I've discovered I can't make a film about people I dislike.

You know, Arabs are critical of United States foreign policy, but they also associate the U.S. with democratic principles and opportunity.

It's important in any project to remain focused.

I'm interested in characters that are complex people.