Karlovy Vary, July 5 -- Actor-filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal has opened up about her passion for directing, describing the experience as "very similar to being a mother" because of the immense responsibility it carries, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Speaking to the media at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where she received the festival's President's Award, Gyllenhaal reflected on her transition from acting to directing and what she enjoys most about the creative process.

"I feel it is very similar to being a mother. You become a mother -- all of a sudden you are actually responsible for the life of another person. That is both incredibly exciting, powerful, and absolutely terrifying," she said.

"In terms of responsib...