Film Synopsis

Ben, a drifting British history expert with a love of fine food, is sent to the eccentric hilltop village of Seborga to verify an obscure medieval charter that could turn this self-declared micro-nation into a real one. Instead of a quiet assignment, he finds centuries-old politics, wildly passionate locals, and the sharpest cook he’s ever met.
Alessandra, once a star in New York’s culinary world, has returned home to regroup. She has no patience for outsiders, especially not ones meddling with her father’s obsession of independence. But when Ben tastes her food, something shifts. And as their connection deepens, so do the town’s tensions.

Between ancient legends, national politics, secret tunnels, and six-hour meals, Seborga must decide what kind of future it wants—and so must Ben and Alessandra.

Setting of the story

Cooking Up A Country will be an international feature film based on the book ‘Cooking Up A Country’ by James Vasey. The book is based on a true story about the principality of Seborga, a small Italian village elected one of I Borghi più belli d’Italia (“The most beautiful villages of Italy”). Seborga is located in the region of Liguarianear the French border and is known for being the ’territory’ of the self-proclaimed micro nation the Principality of Seborga. It claimed it’s independence from Italy in 1963, when the head of the local flower growers’ co-operative Giorgio Carbone, began promoting the idea that Seborga and it’s surrounding territory should become independent from Italy.

The incredible true narrative forms the background of a captivating story, weaving together the intricacies of love amidst a tapestry of people, cuisine, heritage and the beauties of nature.