Kilcher is passionate for activism

Kilcher has rare maturity for a young actress

By G. Allen JohnsonKilcher is not your typical young actress. She took time off to get her education and pursue her passions--human rights and environmental activism. After five years, she chose another important historical figure, the title character in "Princess Kaiulani," as her second starring role.

"I feel like, as a celebrity, I have a responsibility to tell important stories," said Kilcher, calling from Arizona, where she is filming "Shouting Secrets," a movie with an American Indian theme. "Films are very influential, and I especially feel a responsibility to tell stories that have been pushed aside. Being able to shed light on issues that need to be brought to the world."And:"There's still the struggle of being an indigenous young actress," Kilcher said. "You're not given that many opportunities to play normal roles. Sadly, people don't have an imagination sometimes. It's hard to break through that barrier and show people ... you are an actress, and you can play different roles, not just indigenous roles."

Unlike many young self-absorbed actors, Kilcher talks openly about starting a family while still in her 20s, and not letting her foot off the pedal when it comes to her causes. She enlisted Malick's help in a "Princess Kaiulani" screening event earlier this week that raised money for Peruvian flood victims.Comment:  My understanding is that the movie's official title is Barbarian Princess, not Princess Kaiulani.

For more on the movie, see Barbarian Princess Plods, Hawaiians Criticize "Barbarian" Movie, and Princess Kaiulani Trailer. For more on Kilcher, see Q'orianka Kilcher on Ellen Show and "Sedition" and "Savages" in Peru.

Below:  "In her second starring role, Q'orianka Kilcher (Pocahontas in The New World) again plays an important historical figure."