You would think an independent film festival without a major sponsor for the first time in eight years would be struggling without the funding.

You would be wrong.

The directors behind the Hawaii International Film Festival knew last year they'd likely lose Louis Vuitton's sponsorship for this year's HIFF, so they made plans early to do without a major sponsor.

"It's such a tough economy and we knew they were taking a hit," HIFF executive director Chuck Boller said. "Obviously we would have loved to have them. For seven years they were a fantastic sponsor, but they just couldn't do it in this economy this year. We've really been fortunate to be able to dig into our own pockets and do everything we wanted."

Good planning has been the key to HIFF's success.

It's no coincidence "Barbarian Princess" is making its world premiere tonight, on Princess Ka'iulani's birthday, at historic Hawai'i Theatre. The publicity the film is getting, good and bad, has increased interest in the film and its premiere.

"When we got the film and saw Hawai'i Theatre had nothing scheduled on the 16th, we knew it was the perfect place and time for it to make its world premiere," Boller said. "I didn't name this film, and I can understand why some people who haven't seen it are upset with the film's name, but if they see it they'll see it really is appropriately named.

"Historically, this film is very accurate. It portrays Princess Ka'iulani as an extraordinary human being, extremely intelligent, very sophisticated. And yet, 'Barbarian Princess' was what she was called in those days. It's a fascinating piece of Hawai'i's history."

Hawai'i Theatre seats 1,600, so only a lucky few will get to see it tonight. Boller said it's unlikely the film will be shown again at HIFF because the filmmakers want to distribute it commercially as soon as possible.

One more note on HIFF: Boller said the partnership with ABC and "Lost" has garnered much attention globally and more than 190 delegates from various media outlets and festivals are descending upon Honolulu for the films and for Saturday's "Lost" workshops and the gala event.

Kahala 8 Theatres is one of 300 venues around the world selected to broadcast theater performances of plays being put on by the United Kingdom's National Live Theatre. Shakespeare's "All's Well That Ends Well," will be shown at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wed-nesday. It is the second play in the pilot season of NT Live. The first broadcast of "Phedre" was seen by 50,000 people in 19 countries. Tickets are $20.

CD of the week: Wahiawä's Hope Mayo's "End of the Day." If you're looking to soothe your nerves from traffic, work or just life, this is perfect. Similar to Shelby & Lynne. Great voice.

William Shatner — alias Capt. Kirk, T. J. Hooker and Denny Crane — will perform Dec. 18 at Hard Rock Cafe on Maui as part of its Maui Celebrity Series. Tickets are $35 with a portion going to World Hunger/Serve. Shatner is performing with fellow crooner Brian Evans, and there will be a meet-and-greet and book signing.

Call 808-667-7400 for tickets.