Transcript (en)

Just because he dreamed of becoming a president, an Italian man named Rosa set out to build his own country. Together with his friend Tom, he hauled nine hollow steel pillars into international waters. Their goal was simple, create a nation that belonged to no one else. Once they reached the site, Tom opened the pillars and let seawater fill them. The massive columns slowly sank, forming the foundation of their future island. After months of hard work, they built a 4-0-0 square meter platform above the sea. It looked rough and unfinished, but it was enough to be called an island. To make the project livable, Rosa hired workers to drill for fresh water. Their unusual project soon caught the attention of the Italian Coast Guard. But there was little the authorities could do, because the platform stood in international waters. Before long, the island had its own water supply. Excited by the success, Rosa spent his first unforgettable night on the island. Then disaster struck. A violent storm rolled in without warning, and powerful waves slammed into the platform. Fortunately, the structure held strong. After the storm passed the island welcomed its first citizen He was a welder who had spent months drifting at sea With his help the island quickly gained its first building Soon after a second citizen arrived His name was Rudy, a charismatic public relations expert. After hearing about a tiny island with no government control, he couldn't resist joining. Following Rudy's suggestion, the island was officially named the Republic of Rose Island. They opened a bar and welcomed visitors from around the world. Thanks to Rudy's networking skills, more and more young people flocked to the island. Rose Island quickly became a hotspot for freedom seekers. Not long after, a female bartender became the island's third citizen. The steady stream of visitors helped Rosa recover all of his construction costs. Soon, the island was generating serious profits. Then Rosa's ex-girlfriend unexpectedly arrived on the island. Thinking she wanted him back, Rosa proudly showed off his new nation. But she shocked him with a different announcement. She told him she was getting married. She also pointed out that the island looked more like a party beach club than a real country. Watching the crowds dance and celebrate, Rosa fell into deep thought. That very night, he gathered all the citizens and held the first national meeting in Rose Island's history.