When did you start working on the movie and how long did it take?
We started exactly two months after the dispossession of Saddam Hussein and five months before his arrest. All in all we worked three months on the movie.
Was it difficult to shoot the movie in these times, these postwar-times?
Our problem was not actually the postwar-situation, but that we couldn't raise enough money. Therefore I had to pay much out of my own pocket. Sometimes we crossed the border illegalyl, just to save money.
Was this the first time your movie was shown abroad?
Yes, this was the first international premiere, so to speak. Although the movie has been invited to another 40 international filmfestivals' programs. Besides, „Turtles Can Fly“ will start in Berlin's cinemas in april and in all Germany in may.
Did the story really happen like it is told in the movie or is it only based on true circumstances?
Yes, the circumstances were like we tell them, and my movie is based on a real incident, also every Kurdish person has his own, sad story.
I heard that your storybook contained only 15 settings in the beginning. Did you write everything else during the making of the movie?
That is right, i had only these few scenes in mind and everything else was developed with the actors.
What gave the armless boy this ability to see the future, was he a conjuror or did he have supernatural power?
It was hope deep inside him, that would tell him, if anything bad was about to happen.
Does your movie have a message for the audience, or are they supposed to lay back and enjoy the film without thinking much?
Well, in the beginning I didn't make the movie to give any particular message, but if I should decide now, after some time, I would like it much if the movie could help to remind people that Americans and Europeans have "polluted" this area with mines and now don't take care about clearing them up.
Have you made any other movies? If so, which ones and ware they as successful as „Turtles Can Fly“?
Yes, I have made two more movies, which have been equally successful: „Lost in Iraque“ und „A Time for Drunken Horses“(2001, Berlinale).
Vielen Dank für dieses Interview, Mister Ghobadi!