The director of controversial Oscar nominee Paradise Now has told critics to make their own film.

Some have claimed the film – about Middle East suicide bombers – is insensitive and will encourage more attacks.

Hany Abu-Assad accepted their concerns but said people have a right to judge for themselves. "The only answer I can give them is please go and make your own movie," he commented. "I understand the pain that some people have and I think it's not a problem to protest against a film. It's better than to use violence."

"We all have different opinions about it," he continued. "This is why we have films – you give the right to people to judge it as they want."

The director spoke after winning best foreign film at Los Angeles' Independent Spirit Awards. His work is a favourite to win the same award at the Oscars.