About

AUSTIN ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS

THE OATH OF THE SWORD

WITH A NEWLY COMPOSED SCORE BY LOCAL JAPANESE AMERICAN COMPOSER JAMES TABATA & HIS MARU HARU ENSEMBLE

Thursday, September 5 at 6:00 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden

Join the Austin Asian American Film Festival in collaboration with Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy for a special evening celebrating film and community! 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.

The earliest known Asian American film, The Oath of the Sword, was rediscovered and restored in 2023 and will be shown for one night at Zilker Botanical Garden on September 5th. This silent 1914 film will be accompanied by a live musical score by local Japanese American composer James Tabata and his ensemble Maru Haru, with talkback from AAAFF and James Tabata, a performance by Austin Japanese Minyo Dance, VIP tours of the Japanese Garden with Evan Taniguchi, and tasty food from Asahi Imports. 

The Oath of the Sword is more than just a film screening; it’s an immersive cultural event that promises to captivate audiences of all ages.This unique event, a collaborative effort by the Austin Asian American Film Festival and the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy, with special thanks to Austin Film Society and the George Eastman Museum.

Don't miss your opportunity to experience this unique cinematic event!

BUY TICKETS

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, September 5
• Time: 6:00 p.m.
• Venue: Zilker Botanical Garden
• Website: https://www.aaafilmfest.org/events/the-oath-of-the-sword-1914-film-screening

Ticket Information

• Cost: $20.00-$75.00

Presenter Details

• Name: Austin Asian American Film Festival

Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) began as a showcase-specific event that has now broadened to a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We champion Asian and Asian American stories through film and creative media.

From our flagship annual festival that highlights new Asian and Asian American films to our year-round community screening events, the organization has grown from one run by volunteers in the film and local Asian American community to one of the premiere Asian American arts nonprofits in town.

Our mission of championing Asian and Asian American stories via media arts and empowering Asian Americans to explore opportunities in cinema continues as we expand to include more collaborations with our peer film festival organizations in North America, educational programs, an AANHPI filmmaker database, and film industry resources for creatives. 

AAAFF programs speak to and enhance understanding of the AANHPI experience through film. 

Venue Details