Private Project

Radio Treason

Set in 1940s Australia and Japan, Radio Treason tells the story of an Australian Soldier who is forced to work on Japanese Propaganda Radio.

  • Jade Hassett
    Director
    Good Fortune Island
  • Gemma Hassett
    Writer
    Good Fortune Island
  • Gemma Hassett
    Producer
    Good Fortune Island
  • Joshua Wright
    Key Cast
  • Shannon Gibson
    Key Cast
  • David Paterson
    Key Cast
  • Eric James Gravolin
    Key Cast
  • Kristal Jericho
    Key Cast
  • Heath Chio
    Key Cast
  • Saya Minami
    Key Cast
    Midori in Hawaii, Good Fortune Island
  • Tamara McLaughlin
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    2 hours 7 minutes 9 seconds
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English, Japanese
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jade Hassett

Jade Hassett is a Gold Coast based independent film director. Jade has directed several short films, and an independent feature film 'Radio Treason,' set for release in 2017. Jade has shot two three other indie features, and is currently developing a new feature set in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear disaster.

Aside from film directing, Jade also works freelance as production crew and has worked for some of Brisbane’s most well known production companies and on a major blockbuster American film. Jade is also starting to delve into the creative writing industry and has had a book professionally published in 2010.

Jade also has a background in law, having graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government, and is admitted to the Queensland Bar.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Period films set in the Second World War has always fascinated me. Some of the most interesting stories have emerged from this time in history. When the script for Radio Treason, landed in my lap, I knew I wanted to direct it. Radio Treason tells the story of an Australian POW, who is captured by the Japanese, and is, forced to write propaganda for Japanese radio. This alone is the catalyst for the intricate and sophisticated interweaving of characters stories, and how they are affected.

When I first read the script, I was taken by the solid characterisation of characters from both sides of the conflict of World War Two. The characters in the film were written not as the ‘gung-ho’ heroes of war, but as humans existing and surviving in a time of worldwide conflict.

The process of Radio Treason was intriguing. Much of the research process relied on written accounts and extensive research into Japanese war propaganda. I was greatly influenced by war films such as Flags of Our Father.

Casting the roles for this film was an easy, but hard process. After auditioning for weeks, we were able to cast some of Queensland’s best emerging and professional actors in the film. I believe that this really shows in the final film.

This is a film that does not delve into the clichéd characters in a war film. I believe it will make audiences think about themes such as right versus wrong and good versus evil.