I had the opportunity to attend the press conference for the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) on Thursday at RumFire at the Sheraton Waikiki. In attendance were Q’orianka Kilcher, (lead actress in “Barbarian Princess”), Jean Higgins (Executive Producer of "Lost"), Rick Kinsel (Executive Director of the VILCEK Foundation), Jeannette Paulson-Hereniko (NETPAC), and Toa Fraser (HIFF Juror). HIFF is dedicated to “advancing understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific Rim, and North America through the medium of film”. This year’s theme features an inkblot with the attached question “What do you see?” indicating that film is interpreted differently by each person.

The most highly anticipated film at HIFF this year is the world premiere of “Barbarian Princess” starring Q’orianka Kilcher, who previously played Pocahontas in the film The New World (2005). Much controversy has surrounded this film, especially with the negative connotations that are incorporated in its title. For those unfamiliar with the film, here is a synopsis taken from the HIFF guide:

Scarcely 13 years old, Princess Ka’iulani is separated from her family and her homeland and sent to a climate and a country that couldn’t be more different from Hawaii- Victorian England. Coming to terms with her fate, Ka’iulani undergoes a harsh and testing education that equips her with a sense of honor, duty and pride. Based on the inspiring true story, Barbarian Princess is a breathtaking romance about an unlikely heroine and her unwavering fight to defend the independence of her people.

The film was showing at the Hawaii Theatre last night to a sold out crowd. I have not seen the film yet, but will try to make it to the second showing on October 25th at 12:30pm at Regal Dole Cannery. You may visit www.hiff.org for more information about purchasing tickets to this event.

On a more personal note, I went to the press conference with a somewhat biased opinion about “Barbarian Princess” and left feeling very neutral about the film after listening to Kilcher’s responses to a couple of pointed questions. As a Native Hawaiian myself, I felt that a Peruvian woman should not play the role of Princess Kai’ulani, as I am sure a talented Native Hawaiian actress could have suited the role just fine. Another reservation I had was with the title of the film. Why “Barbarian Princess”? If we are trying to shy away from such stereotypes as indigenous people, the title of the film would only empower social stigmas that natives have worked so hard to overcome. Supposedly Princess Kai’ulani was referred to as a “Barbarian Princess” in news articles during her time, which is why the movie is titled as such. Despite my initial thoughts, Kilcher’s demeanor, poise, and graciousness really swayed me into believing that she may actually be a good fit for the role.

This controversial film is the basis of what the medium of film is all about. We all have our own opinions about the content and political implications of some films, but in the end, film can truly educate and help us to find some form of common ground in a world of differences.

I would love to hear your thoughts about HIFF and “Barbarian Princess”.

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