![(FILES) In this file photo taken on June 29, 2018 Saudi writer and film director Haifaa al-Mansour poses during a photo session in Paris, as part of the release of her new film "Mary Shelley".
Fresh from shooting her first film in English, Haifaa al-Mansour plans to return to her native Saudi Arabia next month for her new project -- but this time, she won't be directing out of view by walkie-talkie from the back of a van. / AFP PHOTO / GERARD JULIEN](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZMQXE44NO42J7LDDOWEI6CDA6Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=e27ba35ab2ff9c08ef43709bd616c5969149ffe9a6aeffc91fcd29843dd0e66f&width=400&height=225)
Haifaa Al Mansour's film has been selected at the Venice Film Festival 2019 in competition. AFP
Haifaa Al Mansour's film has been selected at the Venice Film Festival 2019 in competition. AFP
Haifaa Al Mansour is returning to film in Saudi Arabia
Al Mansour is returning to film in the kingdom on a project sponsored by Saudi Arabia's film fund