Becoming Kaiulani

Q’orianka Kilcher, who portrays Princess Kaiulani in a film releasing this Friday, shares her views on the movie and wardrobe

Yu Shing Ting
Wednesday - May 12, 2010
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Kilcher in a gown worn to a ball hosted by the duke and duchess where Hawaiian royalty meets British royalty

of her people and to help stop the annexation of Hawaii,” notes Kilcher. “That was something that happened in my life and one thing I really connected with. At 16, I also was going to Washington and doing things there such as peace demonstrations and speaking on the declaration of rights for indigenous people at the UN.

“Princess Kaiulani to me, she’s my inspiration of how I strive to be. Her courage, compassion, diplomacy, grace, and internal strength and dignity make her an amazing role model for young women, myself included.”

Kilcher in a gown worn to a ball hosted by the duke and duchess where Hawaiian royalty meets British royalty

This past Monday, Kilcher was scheduled to be at a special pre-screening of Princess Kaiulani in L.A. The event, called Peru Comes to Hollywood, was a Peruvian cultural event with proceeds benefitting Peru flood victims and indigenous communities living on the front lines of climate change.

On Oahu, Princess Kaiulani will be released May 14 at the Ward 16 Theatre, Kahala 8 Theatres, Regal Dole Cannery 18, Pearlridge West 16, Kapolei 16 Theatres, Mililani 14 Theaters and Koolau Stadium 10.

Shaun Evans with Kilcher in a scene filmed in England

The film had its world premiere at the 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival where it sold out all screenings and won the Audience Award for Best Feature Film.

“I’m excited for Princess Kaiulani to come out and excited for the world to see it,” says Kilcher. “And to see that Hawaii is not just a beautiful paradise with palm trees swaying in the wind, but also to learn about the history of Hawaii, Princess Kaiulani, the alii, and the native Hawaiians and the issues they still face as people today.

Kilcher with Yuill

“From doing this film, I definitely learned a lot more about Hawaii. I grew up swaying on the banyan trees outside Iolani Palace. I didn’t know too much about Hawaii’s history and I came to realize that they had preserved so much, so well. You can visit Bishop Museum and learn so much about the history. As a young person I feel it’s really important to be educated about your history and where you come from in order to have a clearer view of your future and where you’re going. Also to learn from your past mistakes so you don’t repeat them.


 

“My hope is that this film will spark people’s interest in wanting to learn about Hawaii’s history and the overthrow of the monarchy. It seems like it’s a story not too many people are aware of because it’s been pushed under the rug. So, I’m excited for it to be not only seen here in the states, but around the world.”

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