In 1967, Italian engineer Giorgio Rosa constructed a 400-square-metre platform in the Adriatic Sea and populated it with various establishments, including a nightclub, restaurant and post office. By 1968, Rosa had made himself President of the Republic of Rose Island, declaring independence from and war against Italy.
Rosa's story has been brought to the screen by director Sydney Sibilia with Elio Germano in the role.
Rose Island is on Netflix from December 9th.
Check out the trailer and poster below.
The official synopsis reads:
Giorgio, a gifted yet misunderstood engineer has hit rock bottom - he’s been fired from his job, his parents won’t speak to him, and the love of his life has ditched him after he accidentally gets them both arrested (long story…). Sick of the stuffy rules of Italian society of the late 60s, Giorgio hatches an impossible plan; he will build his own island in the middle of the sea. Joined by a team of revolutionaries and outcasts, the Republic of Rose Island is founded, independence is declared and Giorgio is appointed President. However, team values and resilience are tested, as the Italian Prime Minister decides Giorgio’s idealistic island is Italy’s Enemy Number One.