by MICHELE VAN HESSEN
Sun Columnist

Matador Pictures and Island Film Group (IFG) are in production of the inspiring true story about Princess Ka’iulani played by Q’orianka Kilcher. The actress, born in Germany, was seen in The New World (2005) as Pocahontas. Barry Pepper, Will Patton and Shaun Evans are also part of the cast. Marc Forby wrote the screenplay and he will direct. Filming will take place in Honolulu, Hawaii and in the director's hometown of Norfolk, England.

The story is set against the dramatic island backdrop of Hawaii in 1888, when the kingdom was on the verge of civil war. It is based on the inspiring true story of Princess Ka`iulani, an unlikely heroine, and her unwavering fight to defend the independence of her people. Forced to flee, Princess Ka'iulani, the only heir to the throne, arrives in Victorian England and must adapt to a new life with an English family. She falls in love with a rebellious and sweet-natured young man named Clive, played by Evans. Her love is tested when news of the overthrow prompts her return to Hawaii and sparks her fight to save the monarchy.

Matador’s Nigel Thomas, Lauri Apelian and IFG’s Ricardo Galindez and Roy Tjioe will produce. The Princess Ka’iulani project is being backed by the Future Films USA, Future Films Production Services in the UK and the UK regional screen agency, Screen East. Sales will be handled by ContentFilm International.

Among the crew is Steven Lawrence, who was the Production Designer for Casino Royale and Titanic, along with Director of Photography, Gabriel Beristain who shot The Spanish Prisoner (1997), and one of my favorites, Tim Allen's, The Shaggy Dog (2006).

The script is a powerful, epic story about the strength of a young woman who is forced to choose between the love for her country and the love of a man. It's steeped in American and Hawaiian history and filled with passion and determination. This film has attracted an award-winning cast and crew.

Sadly, the IFG producers have proposed titles such as Barbarian Princess instead of perhaps Princess Ka’iulani for the film's title. Galindez of IFG explained that, “It’s consideration is intended as an ironic juxtaposition because the Princess, who was half Scottish, was in reality very beautiful and refined.” IFG’s Tjioe added, “The American press saw her in person and were stunned to realize that she was anything but barbaric. Her story is heroic and tragic, and we wanted to share her role in Hawaii’s fascinating history with the rest of the world.”

Sensitive to the need to be historically accurate, Director Forby said, “Hawaii's demise as a nation is the great untold story of colonial America. The facts are mind-boggling. I'm honored to tell the story through such a touching, romantic epic.”

Michele Van Hessen is an actor, director, producer, and writer. Having an event? Write the East Oahu Sun, P.O. Box 25130, Honolulu, Hawaii 96825 or fax (808) 395-1998.

Actress Q’orianka Kilcher