Wish I was born in India: Atiq Rahimi

French-Afghan director and writer Atiq Rahimi, whose latest film 'The Patience Stone' opened the Soul of Asia section at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI), wished he was born in this country.
The filmmaker is best known for his works like 'Earth and Ashes' and 'A Thousand Rooms of Dream and Fear' and is one of the jury members for the competition section at the 10-day-long festival.
Rahimi along with his lead actress Golshifteh Farahani were present during the screening.
"I am so honored that my movie is being screened at IFFI. I also wish that I was born in India. I am so fond of this country," Rahimi told reporters before the screening of his film.

Lead actor of the movie Farahani echoed her director's feelings and said, "I love India and whenever I leave this country I have tears in my eyes. It's like going away from your mother. I'm glad my movie is screened. Hope you all like it."
Another jury member French filmmaker and writer Claire Denis also attended the opening of the second edition of Soul of Asia section, which made its debut last year at IFFI.
The second edition aims to expand and embrace the age-old Asian soul, traversing through ancient civilizations, celebrating its sacred secrets and solitary spots.
The other films in the section include Mohsen Makhmalbaf's 'The Gardener', Pan Nalin's 'Faith Connections' and Vincent Sandoval's 'Apparation'.