If you build it they will come. That’s the simple, idealistic, and possibly comically naive idea behind, “Rose Island,” Italian writer/director Sydney Sibilia‘s whimsical new comedy with a big-sized heart coming to Netflix in December. Known for the celebrated 2014 Italian crime comedy “I Can Quit Whenever I Want” and its two subsequent sequels (“Masterclass” and “Ad Honore” both released in 2017, Sibilia’s latest centers on a dreamer of an engineer (Elio Germano), who builds his own island off the Italian coast and declares it a nation, drawing the world’s attention. Values are tested, however, when the Italian Government declares him an enemy, but to change the world risks must be taken. The film looks feel-good and fanciful, but really, it’s based on a true story. Moreover, we’ve got an exclusive look at the film’s first trailer.
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The film stars Elio Germano, who recently won the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival for the film, ” Hidden Away,” French veteran and César Award-winner François Cluzet, known for “Tell No One,” and “The Intouchables” and German actor Tom Wlaschiha, known for his memorable turn in “Game of Thrones.” The film also features regarded Italian actors such as Fabrizio Bentivoglio, Luca Zingaretti, Leonardo Lidi, Alberto Astrorri, Violetta Zironi, and relative newcomer, Matilda De Angelis, who is currently turning heads on HBO‘s “The Undoing” opposite Nicole Kidman, in a supporting, but crucial role.
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Here’s the official synopsis:
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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. Directed by Sydney Sibilia (The Smetto Quando Voglio trilogy) and produced by Grøenlandia (The First King), ROSE ISLAND is a hilarious drama with a rebellious heart and is based on the incredible true story.
“Rose Island” premieres on Netflix on November 9. Watch the first trailer for the film, exclusively, below.
