I met the protagonists after a year of going to a children’s hospital as a volunteer. I wanted to get to know the hospital from the inside, without the need or obligation of making a film. It is a very complicated job because it requires a lot of emotional strength and empathy with the environment. Over time, I met Ahmed and Taha and a very special bond was created between us. They have a special relationship that needs to be shared and that’s why I decided to film it. 

I didn’t want to talk about illness or other issues because it wasn’t relevant for the main theme of the film, and it might even be a distraction. A few weeks ago, his kidney was finally transplanted, after years of waiting. He is fine now, at home, out of the hospital. 

Did they watch the film and what was their reaction to it? 

Ahmad, the father, was the first person who watched the film. His opinion was very important to me, and I must say that he always had complete confidence in me. Even though the film has very difficult moments, he realized the importance of its content. The film is very emotional, it gives the stamp of sincere and selfless parental love.Something we often forget today or take for granted.The film talks about a deep pain. The cry it provokes is sincere, even healing. Honestly, I don’t usually know the central theme of my films, only after I finish them do I go through many personal emotions in their creation until the very end. Since I do all the work myself, it is very hard and exhausting. In this case, I was very attracted to the unusual father-son bond, the spirituality and psychology of guilt that a sick child has, which are deep aspects of the film. 

I feel that every project has a higher level of depth and complexity, I am fascinated with real life, everyday in its infinite forms, my films are a school of modesty, I am always in the service of the people I film. But the success is relative, I have spent years feeling great acceptance and deep public respect for my work, but I have never received any real help from my city or community, so it is very difficult for me to dedicate myself to it as much as I would like.  

Just like everybody, I was in shock. At one point, I saw the best in human intelligence, in addition to the worst in human stupidity.I think if a meteorite fell it would help more to understand what was going on, and then at least people wouldn’t care about money as the main motive. 

I will answer with a phrase I saw on graffiti in Brazil: Let’s hope we don’t go back to normal, because normal was the problem.