International Sales Pick Up Marco Balsamo Soccer Drama Forza
Marco Balsamo’s soccer drama Forza, shot between Bali and Milan, has been acquired for international sales by EST N8 ahead of its market debut, Variety reported. The film centers on Bima, an 11-year-old boy from Bali seeking a better life through professional football, whose path crosses with an aging former AC Milan player.
EST N8 will launch the feature to buyers at the Tokyo International Film Festival’s TIFFCOM market, running October 28 through October 30. Newcomer Ghazi Alhabsyi leads the cast alongside director Marco Balsamo, Tara Sibel Demren, and former AC Milan star Alessandro Costacurta. Indonesian Film Festival winners Atiqah Hasiholan, Oka Antara, and Tio Pakusadewo also star.
Jakarta Film Week Screening Generates Strong Domestic Demand
Ahead of its Tokyo market appearance, Forza secures its first public screening on October 25 at Jakarta Film Week. Domestic interest has proven intense, with both rounds of online tickets for the CGV Grand Indonesia screening selling out inside five minutes.
Connecting an ex-professional athlete and a Balinese youngster who unlock new possibilities for one another, ‘Forza’ unites Italy and Indonesia in a manner unique to soccer, according to EST N8 head of studios Sophie Shi. Shi and Jan Paul Villanueva negotiated the deal for EST N8, representing Riva Studios alongside Balsamo and Demren.
Having dedicated years to realizing ‘Forza’, Balsamo noted that Indonesia has remained central to the venture from day one. Riva Studios originated the project, with Ario Sagantoro of The Raid franchise among its producers. Adhya Pictures holds the Indonesian theatrical rights.
Riva Studios Expands Live-Action Slate Following French Acquisition
Directors Marco Balsamo and Tara Sibel Demren established Riva Studios in 2022 as an independent outfit spanning live-action, animation, and music. The company acquired French animation house TeamTO in 2024, making Forza its first live-action feature film production.
Demren expressed her wish that Bima’s path will inspire viewers to appreciate the significance of having a supporter when goals seem distant. Adhya Pictures has scheduled the theatrical release of Forza in Indonesia for 2027.
EST N8 Catalog Includes Award Winning Films
The company’s line-up features “Hidden Letters” (an Emmy nominee and Oscar shortlist participant), Bhutan’s Academy Award submission “The Monk and the Gun”, Cannes Critics’ Week Grand Prize winner “A Useful Ghost”, and Netflix global chart-topper “Blood Brothers”.
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