Southern U.S. Premiere: The Oath of the Sword
September 5 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
On September 5th, be among the first to see the earliest known Asian American Film, The Oath of the Sword, at the Southern U.S. Premiere. Once thought to be lost, this 1914 historic silent film by the Japanese American Film Company was recently rediscovered by scholar Denise Khor at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York.
Since its discovery, this film has been viewed publicly a mere handful of times including screenings at Harvard University and the Smithsonian as well as a premiere at The Academy Museum in Los Angeles. Catch it for one night only this fall at Zilker Botanical Garden.
ticketing details below
About the Film
THE OATH OF THE SWORD
US, 1914, 35mm, black & white, silent, 31 min
Directed by Frank Shaw
Cast: Numa Hisa, Mori Tomi, Akashi Kohano
Produced by: Japanese American Film Company
Print source: George Eastman Museum
Musical score by James Tabata with live performance from Maru Haru
Based in Los Angeles, the Japanese American Film Company was among several similar independent film companies established by Japanese immigrants during a period when the American film industry had yet to become Hollywood as we know it.
Programming Synopsis from AAAFF:
Recently restored and known as the earliest Asian American-produced film in the United States (1914), the film follows the ambitious Masao and his lover Hisa in Japan. Soon Masao leaves Hisa to pursue his education at The University of California, Berkeley. As he becomes a star athlete and student, Hisa languishes alone in Japan while caring for her ailing father. As their reunion approaches, they find themselves embroiled in an unexpected love triangle that ends in tragedy.
Content consideration: This film includes a depiction of self-harm rooted in Japanese culture. It is not explicitly shown but please use your judgment to discern if this screening is appropriate for you to attend.
Ticketing & Event Information
This unique event, a collaborative effort by the Austin Asian American Film Festival and the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy, offers more than just a movie:
- Film screening in the Mabel Davis Rose Garden
- Live musical accompaniment by local Japanese American composer James Tabata and his ensemble Maru Haru
- Austin Japanese Minyo Dance (fisherman folk dance)
- Opening remarks with AAAFF and James Tabata
- VIP guided tours of the Japanese Garden with Evan Taniguchi
- Food available from Asahi Imports
5:30pm Doors for VIP only
6:00pm VIP Tours of Taniguchi Japanese Garden begin
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6:30pm Doors for General Admission
7:15pm Austin Japanese Minyo, Pre-Show, Film Intro
8:15pm Film Begins
General Admission, $20
- General seating for movie screening and program additions
- Food available for purchase from Asahi Imports
VIP, $75 (limited capacity)
- Preferred viewing area for movie screening and program additions
- Preferred parking
- Bento Box from Asahi Imports (Choose from Chicken Kaarage, Miso Salmon, and Potato Croquette (veggie))
- Guided Tour of the Taniguchi Japanese Garden with Evan Taniguchi*
This film screening will take place outdoors in the Mabel Davis Rose Garden. Guests are invited to bring a blanket or chair to sit back and enjoy the movie.
*Notice about Accessibility
The Taniguchi Japanese Garden is not wheelchair accessible, due to its being built on a steep hillside. You are welcome to view the garden from a higher vantage point and enjoy a brief audio tour by Evan Taniguchi. Please email info@zbgconservancy.org if you have any concerns about mobility.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the Asian American community, enjoy this historical film, and experience the beauty of Zilker Botanical Garden. Reserve your spot today and be part of this special event!
Presented in partnership by the Austin Asian American Film Festival and Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy with special thanks to Austin Film Society and the George Eastman Museum.
