It is true, on one level, my work does not correspond to official art. My vision of the world is crueler, more sarcastic, more satirical. But at the same time, there is a great deal of tenderness underneath. ... But the [Communist] bureaucratic mentality is ridiculous. They are stupid people. They live in a nightmare and they see monsters where none exists. But one day, I shall win this bet. I have a mystical conviction that I will make movies again in my country. [in a 1986 interview with the Washington Post]