Roadside Attractions has purchased the U.S. rights to distribute the biopic "Princess Kaiulani" and plans to release the film in theaters this spring after dumping the controversial title "Barbarian Princess."

Written and directed by Marc Forby, the film stars former Hawai'i resident Q'orianka Kilcher as Kaiulani. Kilcher also portrayed Pocahontas in the 2005 film "The New World."

The movie focuses on Kaiulani's short, tragic life as well as the lowest point in modern Hawaiian history — the 1893 overthrow of the monarchy. Kaiulani died in 1899 at the age of 23. As heir to the throne, she tried unsuccessfully to restore Hawaiian self-rule. She is not a major figure in Hawaiian history, but is beloved nonetheless.

The film was made by Island Film Group and Matador Pictures.

It made its world premiere last October during the Hawaii International Film Festival.