[1][2] The film is based on the true story of engineer Giorgio Rosa and the Republic of Rose Island, an artificial platform, which became a micronation on May 1, 1968, and was demolished in February 1969.

Giorgio Rosa approaches the Council of Europe with a petition to protect and recognize his Island, which he later elaborates was built by him and his friend Maurizio Orlandini.

Inspired, he convinces Maurizio who is tired of working in his father's company, to help him build an island just outside the territorial waters and, thus, the legal jurisdiction of Italy, where everyone is free to do as they want.

With the money that Maurizio has stolen from his father and innovative engineering solutions that drastically reduce the cost of materials, they successfully build an island of their own with a supply of fresh water.

He starts to promote the island as a tourist destination and more people begin to visit, attracted by the freedom it represents from the established states.

History notes Rose Island was, despite its short life, subject to a landmark event of being the only nation to be directly attacked by the Italian Republic.

[10] Linda Marric of NME wrote: "Sibilia and co-writer Francesca Manieri successfully mix whimsy and pathos to give us something truly inspiring.