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
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 Information
VIP ticket sales will end at 11:00pm on Monday, September 2nd.
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.
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))
- Tour of Taniguchi Japanese Garden with Evan Taniguchi
5:30pm Doors open for VIP only
6:00pm Tours of Taniguchi Japanese Garden begin
7:15pm Austin Japanese Minyo, Pre-Show, Film Intro
8:15pm Film Begins
* 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 if you have any concerns about mobility. *
Presented in partnership by the Austin Asian American Film Festival and
Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy.
Special thanks to Austin Film Society and the George Eastman Museum.
For ticketing questions, email info@zbgconservancy.org