What is the best thing that I love about my work? I can speak via art with others. I can tell people about my experiences, beliefs, and life and influence their lives. This influence on others’ lives through theatres and movie stories is the best thing I love about my work.

What is my idea of happiness? Happiness means knowing yourself and doing what you love regardless of what others think and like.

What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear is stopping in art. I fear I will not be creative and active, or living conditions will become such that I cannot do my work. Imagine living without art is horrible for me.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I blame myself a lot. I keep thinking about the past and different things, and I wish I hadn’t done that, I wish I had done that and… Unfortunately, I blame others for their mistakes in my mind, and I don’t like this at all.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? Asghar Farhadi. I can’t say why I admire him; I can only say that the conditions of artistic work in Iran are not easy, and when someone reaches such a position in the world, it is praiseworthy.

What is my greatest extravagance? Books. I love buying books and reading them. Books are my extravagance.

On what occasion would I lie? This question is tricky because I try not to lie even to myself on any occasion and not to deceive myself, but if I can save the life of a person or an animal with a lie, I would lie.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Sometimes you have to do things you do not like because of progress, financial issues, fame, etc. Of course, it’s been a long time since I decided not to do things I don’t like, but it is only sometimes possible.

When and where was I the happiest in my work? If I want to be honest, I was happy every time I worked in the theatre or was making a film, and when I felt that people liked my works, I experienced the peak of happiness.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I think less about the result and success and work more freely. Today’s world puts us under much pressure to achieve things like earning more money, become more famous, winning various prizes and other things. This is not good for an artist at all. I want to free myself from all these things and think only about art and what I like to create.

What is my greatest achievement in work? My outlook on life has changed through the art. This is my most outstanding achievement. In addition, I found my best friends through my work, which is worthwhile.

Where would I most like to live? I like to try different places to live, but if I want to choose one, it will be a place by the sea.

What is my most treasured possession? My husband, my daughter and my family are my most treasured possessions. Those whom I give love to them and receive love from.

What is my most marked characteristic? I’m hardworking and energetic. I always strive for my wishes energetically. When a person has a dream, they should work for it and not let problems destroy it.

What is the most inspirational location in my city? It’s been three weeks since I came to Berlin from Tehran, but I still know Tehran as my city, and the most inspiring place for me in Tehran is the City Theatre.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink in my city? I am not very interested in going to cafes and restaurants, and my favourite place to eat and drink is the park or anywhere close to nature.

What books influenced my life and how? All the books that I read when I was a child had a significant impact on me, books like “A Little Princess‎”,” The Ugly Duckling”, “Heidi”, etc. My soul sought understanding and discovery at that age, and these books gave me what I needed.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day? Taghdir, Shadmehr Aghili. It’s suitable for saying goodbye to life.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Judy Abbott. A girl who did not forget her dreams despite her difficult circumstances. She was always energetic and bold.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My heroines are all Iranian women who fight for their basic rights and having a normal life. Women who read poetry, dance, and smile while fighting with thousands of horrible things every moment. My heroines are Iranian women who are symbols of life and freedom.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? Mother, written and directed by Darren Aronofsky. Every time I see this movie, I think of new things, and I recommend everyone to watch this movie not once but several times.

What role play stories in my life and work? The stories opened my mind and eyes to different worlds. The world that I may never had the opportunity to experience and live in. I grew up with stories; I dreamed with them and created my own life. I can say that stories have made the story of my live.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me? I think some things happen in life that is beyond our control. So, we are not entirely the storytellers of our own lives, but how we read that story is crucial. Happy or sad? Brave or afraid? Strong or weak? We should tell our life story with an attractive, energetic and strong tone, even if it is not written like that, even when it is not very dear to us. I hope to convey my meaning.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, or partner in crime? My husband. He stands by me and my art every time and everywhere. Whenever I was tired, he pushed me. He gave me energy whenever I was disappointed. Sometimes I think he believes me and my work more than myself. Except my husband, my sister is always with me and my work. If she can, she does everything for me.

Which people or companies would I like to work with?
Darren Aronofski
Martin Scorsese
Asghar Farhadi
Golshifteh Farahani
Shahab Hosseini
Hollywood companies

What project am I looking forward to working on? I want to direct an intercultural film, but I don’t have an exact now.

Where can you see me or my work?
My website:
http://www.maryamamini.ir
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-amini-53936124b

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/maryam_amini1990/

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? People who have a passion for something can never stop doing it. Passion is in our hearts and is not related to how old we are.

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?
Golshifteh Farahani
Zar Amir Ebrahimi
Sonia Sanjari
Yousef Alikhani
Arezu Afshar
Ali Asghari

How can you contact me?
My website:
http://www.maryamamini.ir
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-amini-53936124b
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/maryam_amini1990/