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Reviewed by Elliot V. Kotek
(from the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival)

Directed by: Jody Shapiro
Written by: Denis Seguin with Jody Shapiro
Starring: President Kevin Baugh of Molossia, Prince Leonard of Hutt River, Prince Regent Michael of Sealand, Gregory Green, Patri Friedman

Despite the United Nations recognizing 192 member states of the organization, it’s clear from Jody Shapiro’s documentary that it’s difficult to affirm how many countries exist in the world. There are political ramifications involved in such a declaration, and, as one interviewee states, “There are as many variations in countries as there are countries.”

Self-declared countries, or “micronations” such as the Republic of Molossia, may not be found on any maps, but their independence and eccentricities have been found worthy of exploration in the aptly titled “How to Start Your Own Country.”

While Molossia was inspired by “The Mouse That Roared” and now boasts stamps, a customs booth, a flag, its own money and resident numbers that include the pet dogs that roam the 1.3 acres in Northern Nevada, the micronation of Seborga spans a more substantial six square kilometers, has instruments of government, an education system and 340 people. An ecclesiastical center that dates itself back 1000 years before the foundation of Italy itself, Seborga recognizes the pope above all else.

And so it continues, sometimes constituted by wealthy denizens who claim islands as territories (as in North Dumpling Island), with others that exist in no particular space (the New Free State of Caroline), those that float at sea (Sealand), and some that have carved out land from the expanse around them (Hutt River Province). Other micronations, some created in history, others in mythology and still others as simple fictions or states of mind, all seem to exist relatively peacefully, sustaining themselves and their relations. Whether these regions are recognized by others or not is important but not an imperative; after all, the Czech Republic still does not recognize Lichtenstein, while others don’t recognize Kosovo or Western Sahara.

Balancing out the talking heads with shots of the flags and anthems of each principality and province, the film has a general stillness that robs it of cinematic substance. Perhaps some modern documentary devices could be enlisted to aid the research to rise from the screen.

That said, the charismatic characters themselves contribute a comedic and informative instrument through which to appreciate their expressions of individuality. And Shapiro’s introduction to the issue provides a perfect jumping-off point from which to debate the concepts of independence at stake.

Photo courtesy of the filmmaker