Produced by Phyllis Laing and Shapiro, the film explores various aspects of micronationalism and features interviews with several prominent micronationalists.

How to Start Your Own Country had its world premiere at the 35th Toronto International Film Festival on 10 September 2010.

[1][2][3] How to Start Your Own Country explores various micronations around the world, including the themes of sovereignty, citizenship and seasteading.

[1][3] Jody Shapiro was inspired to make the documentary after discovering a copy of How to Start Your Own Country by Erwin Strauss in a book store.

Shapiro elaborated: "The more I talked about the concept, the more I realised people didn't know this sort of thing existed - that individuals all over the world were claiming to start countries of their own.