Southern U.S. Premiere: The Oath of the Sword

Celebrate Asian American film and culture at Zilker Botanical! On September 5^th, 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. 

Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line upon arrival!

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.

Program Additions

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:  

Live Musical Accompaniment: Local Japanese American composer James Tabata and his ensemble Maru Haru will provide a live score, bringing this silent film to life in an unforgettable performance.

Austin Japanese Minyo Dance: Enjoy a traditional fisherman folk dance performed by the Austin Japanese Minyo Dance group, adding a rich cultural dimension to the evening.

Food and Beverages: Savor delicious offerings from Asahi Imports, which are available for purchase throughout the event.

VIP ticket holders will get a Bento Box included with their ticket.

Alcoholic beverages will be available (for ages 21+).

VIP Guided Tours: Gain exclusive access to the Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden with guided tours led by Isamu’s grandson, Evan Taniguchi. This tour is only available to VIP ticket holders.

The Japanese Garden will only be open to VIP tours during the event.

Ticketing Information

General Admission, $20

• General seating for movie screening and program additions
• Food & drink available for purchase from Asahi Imports

VIP, $75-SOLD OUT

• Premium 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*
• Drinks available for purchase

*Notice about Accessibility

The Taniguchi Japanese Garden is not wheelchair accessible, due to its being built on a steep hillside. If you reserve a VIP ticket (securing a tour of the Japanese Garden) 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.

Know Before You Go

Tickets:

• Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line upon arrival!
• Please have your ticketing email ready to show upon entry.
• Guests planning to purchase tickets onsite will navigate to 2300 Stratford Dr. Ticket sales end at 7:30 pm on the day of the event.

Seating:

• This film screening will take place outdoors in the Mabel Davis Rose Garden inside Zilker Botanical Garden. All guests are invited to bring a blanket or chair to sit back and enjoy the movie. Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended.
• VIP: All guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to sit on during the film. VIP ticket holders will have access to a premium location near the Butler Window. Signage will indicate this area. 

Accessibility:

• Accessible parking and wheelchair access are available via the main entrance at 2220 Barton Springs Rd. The Trail of Passages is an accessible path that leads from the parking lot to the main event space.
• If you have any concerns about mobility, please contact us at info@zbgconservancy.org.

Parking and Transportation:

• General Admission parking is located in the gravel lot at 2300 Stratford Dr. You will cross Stratford Dr. and enter the Garden through the Botanical Gates of Paradise (large ornamental gates on the backside of the Garden.) We recommend that you do not leave any valuable items in your vehicle.
• VIP parking is located at the main Garden entrance 2220 Barton Springs Rd.
• Guests are encouraged to use rideshare or public transit. CapMetro has a stop in front of the main entrance to the Garden along Route 30. For those using Uber or Lyft, please route your ride to the main entrance, 2220 Barton Springs Rd.

Food & Drink:

• Food and drink will be available for purchase at the event from Asahi Imports. Complimentary alcoholic beverages (for ages 21+) as well as sparkling water will also be available.
• VIP: With your VIP ticket, you will receive a Bento Box with the protein you selected when purchasing your ticket. You will receive this after you tour the Japanese Garden.

Event Timeline:

• 5:30 PM: Doors open for VIP ticket holders only
• 6:00 PM: VIP Tours of the Taniguchi Japanese Garden begin
• 6:30 PM: Doors open for General Admission
• 7:15 PM: Pre-show begins in Rose Garden
• 7:30 PM: Doors Close
• 8:15 PM: The Oath of the Sword screening begins

Share Your Experience:

• We would love to see your event photos! Tag us on Facebook and Instagram @zilkerbotanicalgarden and @aaafilmfest.

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! 

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Taniguchi Architects | Charles Schwab | Juice Consulting | Natalie George Productions

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.