Two Types of Filmmakers
In a recent interview on The Daily Show, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi shared a profound observation about the nature of filmmaking that extends far beyond cinema:
“We only have two types of filmmakers in the world. 95% are filmmakers who are after what the audience wants. But another 5% says this is how I look, and it’s up to the audience to come and find me.”
— Jafar Panahi
This dichotomy speaks to a fundamental tension in any creative field: the choice between following market demands and maintaining artistic integrity. Panahi, who has faced significant persecution for his films in Iran, embodies that rare 5% — artists who refuse to compromise their vision despite external pressures.
The statement resonates beyond filmmaking. In software, writing, design, or any creative endeavor, we face the same choice: chase what we think people want, or develop our authentic voice and trust that the right audience will find us.