Ali Abbasi, the director known for films like 'Holy Spider' and 'The Apprentice,' reflects on his youthful views about war and acknowledges his current pessimism concerning the situation in Iran. Having received numerous messages from friends inquiring about his and his family’s well-being following an incident in Iran, Abbasi articulates the emotional toll that the current regime's incompetence has taken on him and those close to him. His parents recently left Iran and now reside in Canada, yet Abbasi still has family members in Iran with whom he has lost contact due to the rising tensions and government actions.

In the interview, Abbasi reveals that the latest unrest in Iran has profoundly affected his outlook on conflict, as he grapples with the duality of being both a filmmaker and a member of an Iranian diaspora. He describes how the incompetence of the Iranian regime exacerbates the situation, contributing to his feelings of hopelessness. He underscores the realities of living separated from family members still in Iran, highlighting the pain associated with not knowing their safety amidst ongoing violence.

Abbasi's perspective offers a personal lens to the broader political narrative surrounding Iran today. His experiences and those of his family members reflect the struggles many Iranians face under the current governance, which he critiques for its failures. The discussion also raises questions about the impact of global representation in media, particularly how films like Abbasi's can influence perceptions of Iran and its realities, as he aims to shed light on the competence issues within the regime that he believes aggravate the plight of its citizens.