They sent me the script and I was a little surprised.
I said Im from Saudi Arabia I told my agent do they know really?
and then I read the script and I really sympathised with the character.
That legacy and celebrating her makes us succeed because people will always doubt you as a woman.
Al-Mansour knows something about going beyond culture and conquering new frontiers.
One of eight siblings, she grew up during a time when there was no Saudi cinema at all.
It didnt achieve a nomination but at the BAFTAs it did another major first.
When I started making films it hurt, she says.
I was like a joke.
It really hurts when people dismiss you creatively.
When you are a creative you wear your heart on your sleeve.
You put part of yourself out there.
No wonder Mary Shelleys story resonates.
I think its not only falling in love but having a chance to experience life.
And that great sense of abandonment and loss and loneliness, its very much in her relationship with Percy.
Casting the movie was therefore, key.
In the title role is Elle Fanning notably not British herself.
But then, as Al-Mansour says this is a story that transcends specific cultures, and fortunately its seamless.
Yes, I tried to make it a feminist film, she says.
I hope people see how deliberate that was.
They always say only guys can bring box office success, that is not the situation anymore.
Work your way up.
Trying to find cracks in the system is also very important because it is very hard.
It is not easy and it takes time.
But always work hard.
Dont worry about what people think, be focused on a goal and what you want to do.
I thought she was the coolest woman on earth with the hair and everything!)
Al-Mansour is encouraged that things are changing for the better in terms of female representation.
But when I ask her whether she considers herself a role model, shes circumspect.
I hope that I can encourage women to take unconventional careers.
I hope that encourages them, and opens paths for them.
Shoot for the moon.
Mary Shelleyopens in cinemas on 6 July.
