SPIEGEL: Your warrior princess, Latifa, has a heavy sword, sexy clothing. How does that correspond to the religious self-image of Saudi Arabian  women?

Al Saud: Latifa takes back the power. She wears the ghutrah, the head covering of Saudi Arabian men, her sword has masculine energy. I myself was raised by strong women -- that inspired me.

SPIEGEL: What story do you want to tell?

Al Saud: Latifa lives in the future, after a war. She was raised in a city in which women drive cars. Her world is black and white, until she slowly discovers the contradictions.

SPIEGEL: Don't you fear the wrath of the religious establishment?

Al Saud: I represent the younger people. Latifa represents them. To critics I would say: Show me your interpretation of the Arab world that you live in. It is time for this discourse.

SPIEGEL: Is that what you wanted to start when you helped launch Facebook in Arabic?

Al Saud: I wanted this medium to become usable for the majority that doesn't have any access to education or the English language.

SPIEGEL: How did it influence the Arab Spring?

Al Saud: The Egyptians were a protester nation -- they acted as catalysts. But young Tunisians and Syrians also used Facebook.

SPIEGEL: Saudi Arabia is undergoing an upheaval . What will the situation there be in five years?

Al Saud: The youth will become visible. Because the rulers in the royal family stand behind us. We can actively contribute to developments in art , the economy, medicine. But it only works if we do it together. The pious need to be taken along into this new era.