Ithaka: A Fight to Free Julian Assange Doco Premieres Tues 7 June on ABC TV

This special two-part 60-minute ABC factual series will premiere on ABC TV on Tuesday, June 7 at 8.30 p.m., with both episodes available to stream on ABC iview the same day.

Ithaka was filmed over two years across the UK, Europe, and the US, and follows 76-year-old retired builder John Shipton’s tireless campaign to save his son, Julian Assange. Ithaka was written and directed by award-winning Ben Lawrence (Ghosthunter, Hearts and Bones), produced by Assange’s brother Gabriel Shipton, and featured an original score by Brian Eno.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, the world’s most famous political prisoner, has become a symbol of an international arms race over press freedom, government corruption, and unpunished war crimes. Julian’s family members are now facing the prospect of losing Julian for good if he is extradited to the United States, where he faces a 175-year sentence.

Julian’s health is deteriorating in a British maximum-security prison, and American government prosecutors are attempting to extradite him to face trial in the United States, the clock is ticking.

This story follows John’s journey alongside Julian’s wife Stella Moris as they join forces to advocate for Julian, using historic archive and intimate behind-the-scenes footage. We see John embark on a European journey to rally a global network of supporters, lobby politicians, and cautiously step into the spotlight – where he is forced to confront events that turned Julian into a global flashpoint.

Ithaka serves as a timely reminder of the global issues at stake in this case, as well as an insight into the personal toll taken by the difficult, often lonely task of fighting for a cause greater than one’s own.

A Shipton House Production. Principal Production funding by Screen Australia in association with Film Victoria. Produced in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Produced by Gabriel Shipton and Adrian Devant. Written and Directed by Ben Lawrence. Executive Producer Roger Savage. Original Music by Brian Eno. ABC Manager of Documentary Stephen Oliver. Head of Factual and Culture Jennifer Collins.

Ithaka: A Fight to Free Julian Assange – Tuesday 7 June, 2022 on ABC TV and iview