On the Italian island of Lampedusa, young Samuele navigates his daily life with curiosity and simplicity. The boy explores the rugged landscapes, attends school, and undergoes a routine eye examination, all while practicing his slingshot skills and coping with mild health issues. His days consist of interactions with family and friends, capturing the essence of a quiet yet vibrant existence in a historically rich and traditionally rooted community.

Meanwhile, Lampedusa serves as a focal point in the European migrant crisis, witnessing a constant influx of refugees arriving by boat from Africa and the Middle East. The contrast between Samuele’s childhood innocence and the harsh realities faced by the migrants is starkly portrayed. The islanders, including medical personnel like Doctor Bartolo, deal with both routine local ailments and the critical emergencies presented by newly arrived refugees. The film intertwines these two worlds, showcasing the divergence between tranquil island life and the dire circumstances surrounding the migrant crisis, as Lampedusa becomes a microcosm of broader humanitarian and social issues.