Akadot's Parisian correspondent Olivier de Doncker speaks with the consummate animation director Hayao Miyazaki for a few minutes about his career.

How do you develop your characters?

Hayao Miyazaki: The creation of a character takes a lot of time and planning. I need to think about him or her, to draw him or her. I really want to visualize the character before making the animation. Many characters never go beyond a sheet of paper.

Why do you often choose to cast a girl as your central protagonist?

HM: It would take too long to explain. Let's just say it's because I like women.

Many Japanese films are quite nihilistic. Yours aren't.

HM: Actually, I'm quite pessimistic. But children are my main audience. I want to give them a message of hope. Children don't have to see the world as their parents do. We must let them grow up.

Do you see yourself as a storyteller?

HM: I rather think I'm a drawer. But I think that stories are very important to become mature as an artist.

Do pigs fascinate you?

HM: Pigs are easier to draw than other animals. And I think that pigs sometimes behave in the same way as humans.

Do you like European animation directors?

HM: I've been greatly influenced by Paul Grimault and his film Le Roi et L'Oiseau (The King and the Bird).

Do you think that your success changes your way of working?

HM:Absolutely not. If many people go and see my latest film, I would be happy, but if the same film attracts few people, I won't be disappointed. That's life.