International sales agency EST N8 has acquired global rights to Forza, a cross-continental soccer drama directed by Marco Balsamo that bridges the cultures of Indonesia and Italy. The film, which was shot on location between the tropical landscapes of Bali and the urban backdrop of Milan, is now poised for its international market introduction at TIFFCOM, the content market held alongside the Tokyo International Film Festival, running from October 28 to 30. Prior to its industry debut in Japan, Forza is scheduled to receive its very first public screening on October 25 at the Jakarta Film Week, where local enthusiasm has already manifested in a rapid ticket demand.
At its core, Balsamo’s feature-film directorial debut tells the deeply personal and aspirational story of Bima, an 11-year-old boy living in Bali. Bima harbors a fervent dream of escaping financial hardship and securing a better life for his family through a professional career in football. His trajectory shifts dramatically when he forms an unexpected, chance bond with a veteran European football player who is navigating the final stretch of his career. This cross-cultural encounter ultimately alters the life outlook and future prospects of both characters, creating a narrative core that merges youthful ambition with seasoned reflection through the universal language of sport.
The production features newcomer Ghazi Alhabsyi in the leading role, anchoring a diverse and accomplished international cast. Director Marco Balsamo also appears on screen alongside co-star and producer Tara Sibel Demren. Adding substantial star power and authentic football pedigree to the project is Italian football icon Alessandro Costacurta, renowned for his legendary career with AC Milan. The ensemble is further elevated by the inclusion of prominent Indonesian acting talent, featuring Atiqah Hasiholan, Oka Antara, and Tio Pakusadewo—all three of whom are celebrated winners at the prestigious Indonesian Film Festival (FFI).
Written by Balsamo, who also produced the feature alongside Demren, Forza originated from Riva Studios. The production boasts strong industry backing, with producers including Ario Sagantoro, widely recognized for his work on the globally acclaimed The Raid franchise. Domestically, the film has secured robust distribution support, with Adhya Pictures handling the theatrical release in Indonesia, which is currently slated for 2027.
Anticipation for the film’s domestic premiere has proven exceptionally high. When online tickets for the upcoming Jakarta Film Week screening at CGV Grand Indonesia were released to the public, both rounds of available passes sold out entirely within a span of just five minutes, signaling a strong appetite from local audiences to see the Bali-shot story on the big screen.
Industry executives have expressed immense enthusiasm regarding the film’s universal appeal and commercial potential. Sophie Shi, head of studios at EST N8, emphasized the unique thematic resonance of the project.
"Forza follows a boy from Bali and a former pro footballer who open new doors for each other, and it bridges Indonesia and Italy the way only football can," Shi said. "It’s a film for audiences around the world, with a story of family and hope that transcends language and culture. Our mission is to take bold Asian stories to audiences worldwide, and a family film told through the world’s most popular sport is built to travel. We’re proud to launch Forza to buyers at TIFFCOM."
The acquisition deal for EST N8 was negotiated by Shi and Jan Paul Villanueva. Villanueva, serving as executive vice president of acquisitions and global distribution, is set to lead sales efforts alongside Cathy Ni, head of sales and U.S. distribution, and Shams Pasha, global sales and marketing executive.
For the creative team behind the project, the journey to the screen has been a labor of intensive dedication. Reflecting on the milestone of bringing the film to audiences, Marco Balsamo shared his thoughts on the production’s deep roots in Southeast Asia.
"We’ve spent years bringing Forza to the screen, and Indonesia has been at the heart of it from the beginning," Balsamo remarked. "This film is a labor of love and a testament to the perseverance and collaboration behind independent filmmaking. Sharing the film at Jakarta Film Week is especially meaningful. It’s a moment we’ve been looking forward to for a long time."
Co-producer and co-founder of Riva Studios Tara Sibel Demren noted that the narrative was intentionally crafted to foster shared viewing experiences for families, encouraging intergenerational conversations long after the credits roll.
"We hope Bima’s journey reminds audiences how much it matters to have someone believe in you, especially when your dreams feel out of reach," Demren stated. "Seeing both ticket releases fill so quickly is an encouraging start. We’re looking forward to hearing audiences’ reactions."
The film marks a significant corporate milestone for Riva Studios. Established in 2022 by Demren and Balsamo as an independent entertainment outfit operating across live-action, animation, and music sectors, the company expanded its footprint significantly in 2024 by acquiring the French animation house TeamTO. Forza stands as Riva Studios’ very first live-action feature production.
EST N8 arrives at the TIFFCOM market with a diverse and critically acclaimed slate of titles alongside Forza. The agency’s lineup features Tame, a Thai horror title produced by B-EST Pictures; Jaguar, a Manila-set crime thriller directed by Dean Colin Marcial; Master, a feature by Rezwan Shahriar Sumit that captured the Big Screen Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR); Pilgrims, a Korean sci-fi animation piece by Heo Pyoungkang that earned an official selection at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival; and The Invisible Half, a Japanese horror feature directed by Nishiyama Masaki.
Formed through the strategic union of EST Studios and N8, the international sales and distribution company maintains operational offices in Los Angeles and Bangkok. To date, the firm has successfully sold and distributed more than 60 titles across over 100 territories worldwide. Its robust catalog includes prominent award-winning and critically praised projects such as Hidden Letters, which earned an Academy Award shortlist placement and an Emmy nomination; The Monk and the Gun, selected as Bhutan’s official submission to the Academy Awards; A Useful Ghost, winner of the Grand Prize at the Cannes Critics’ Week; and Blood Brothers, which previously climbed to the top of Netflix’s global viewership charts.
