Located approximately 200 km off Italy's southern coast, the island of Lampedusa has become a symbol of the migrant crisis, serving as the first port of call for hundreds of thousands of African and Middle Eastern migrants hoping to start a new life in Europe. Against this backdrop, Rosi spent several months living on the island, immersing himself in its history, culture, and daily life. His lens captures not only the harrowing reality of migrant arrivals but also the quiet rhythms of the island's 6,000-strong local population.
At the heart of the documentary is Samuele, a 12-year-old local boy who prefers land to sea, despite living in a community defined by its connection to the Mediterranean. Samuele’s world of slingshots, hunting, and childhood curiosity is juxtaposed against the larger, stark reality of the migrant crisis, creating a deeply human narrative about innocence and survival.
