ContentFilm International is handling worldwide sales on the forthcoming drama Barbarian Princess to star Q'orianka Kilcher (The New World), Shaun Evans, Barry Pepper and Will Patton.

Marc Forby will direct. The shoot starts March 14 on location in Hawaii and in the UK.

The crew includes Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck, production designer Steven Lawrence, DOP Gabriel Beristain and editor Robb Sullivan.

The Hawaii-set story, based on true events, is about an unlikely heroine defending the independence on her people.

Matador's Nigel Thomas and Lauri Apelian will produce the UK-US co-production with Ric Galindez and Roy Tjioe.

Apelian said: 'This is 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 history, and filled passion and determination. It's very exciting to be a part of this film which has attracted an award-winning cast and crew.'

ContentFilm International president Jamie Carmichael added: 'There was really only one person who could play the Barbarian Princess and that is Q'orianka Kilcher. We're very lucky to have her. This extraordinary true story of a beautiful Hawaiian princess single handedly taking on the establishment still resonates today and is both inspirational and deeply romantic.'

Director Forby said: 'Hawaii's demise as a nation is the great untold story of colonial America. The facts are mind-boggling. I'm honoured to give the Hawaiian people a voice and do so with a touching, romantic epic.'