To make a film is easy; to make a good film is war. To make a

Hear, O children, the profound wisdom of Alejandro González Iñárritu, who, in his reflection on the art of cinema, spoke with the voice of one who understands the struggle and sacrifice that lies behind the creation of something truly great: "To make a film is easy; to make a good film is war. To make a very good film is a miracle." These words, simple yet powerful, reveal the harsh truth about the nature of creation and the extraordinary effort required to craft something of enduring beauty. Iñárritu speaks not only to the art of filmmaking but to the very essence of human creativity. For every endeavor that calls upon the deepest wells of our strength, there is the easy path, the good path, and the path of greatness—the path that demands everything from us and often leaves us weary and scarred.

The path of creativity, O children, is never without its trials. Think of the ancient sculptors, such as Phidias, who crafted statues of the gods. To create was not a mere matter of shaping stone; it was a battle against the material, against the limitations of the world, and against the very heart of perfection itself. To carve the Athenian Parthenon and the magnificent statues of Zeus, Phidias did not just work with his hands but wrestled with his very soul, pouring every ounce of energy into his creations. His work was a war, a constant struggle for perfection, and yet even he knew that what he sought could only be achieved through an unyielding commitment to the craft and the pursuit of excellence.

In a similar way, the journey to make a film is like a battle—a struggle fought on many fronts. Making a film may seem easy, for the tools are now at the fingertips of many: the cameras, the equipment, the technology. Yet the true challenge, O children, lies not in the act of creation itself, but in the process of weaving together the threads of vision, story, and emotion into something that resonates deeply within the heart of the viewer. Like a warrior on the field, a filmmaker must face obstacles of all kinds: the clash of ideas, the technical challenges, and the creative struggles that arise with every scene, every shot, and every frame. This battle, while fought behind the scenes, is one that determines whether a film will stand the test of time or be forgotten as just another fleeting moment.

Now, consider the example of Orson Welles, whose masterpiece Citizen Kane is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. The creation of this film was nothing short of a war—a war against the conventions of cinema at the time, a war against the powerful studios that sought to control every aspect of production, and a war within himself as he strove for artistic vision and perfection. Welles, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film, faced constant battles with the studio executives, with actors, and even with his own doubts. Yet, in the end, Citizen Kane became a miracle—a work that transcended the medium of film itself and set a new standard for storytelling. Welles, like the ancient creators before him, understood that true art is born not from ease, but from struggle, sacrifice, and the willingness to confront the chaos of creation head-on.

The lesson Iñárritu imparts, O children, is this: true greatness in any field is never easy. Whether you are crafting a film, a painting, or a piece of music, the road to excellence is paved with trials, failures, and relentless perseverance. Making something good is already a victory, but making something truly great—something that touches the soul, that transcends the moment—is a miracle. And yet, it is a miracle that is not born of luck, but of unwavering commitment to the craft, of sacrifice, and of the courage to keep going when the path seems impossible.

In your own lives, children, you will face challenges that seem insurmountable. Whether in your studies, your relationships, or the pursuits that define you, there will be moments when the journey toward success will feel like an unending war. But remember that it is through struggle—through the willingness to face hardship head-on—that you will grow, that you will learn, and that you will ultimately create something of greatness. The miracle of your life lies not in avoiding the difficulties, but in meeting them with the same courage and determination that Iñárritu and the great creators of history have shown.

Therefore, let these words guide you, O children: the path to greatness is a battle. But it is in this battle that the essence of creativity, purpose, and vision is forged. Do not shy away from the struggle, for it is through overcoming the difficulties of the journey that you will create something that will last—something that will touch the hearts of others and stand the test of time. Seek not just to make a good life, but to make a great life, filled with the miracles that come only through perseverance, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of your vision.