The unique drama of life in a football-obsessed Bali, set against the backdrop of Milan, is the core foundation of Forza. The film captures the passionate world of professional sport, blending the vibrant culture of Indonesia with the historic prestige of Italian football. This setting allows the narrative to explore themes of aspiration and hope, weaving a story that seems destined to cross geographical and cultural boundaries.
The film has garnered significant international attention, with EST N8 securing its rights for global sales. This acquisition means Forza is slated to be shown at the prestigious Tokyo International Film Festival’s TIFFCOM market in late October. Prior to the major festival debut, the film will have its first public viewing on the 25th, at Jakarta Film Week.
A journey that crosses continents
At its heart, Forza is a deeply personal story centred on Bima, an ambitious eleven-year-old from Bali. Bima’s fervent dream is to achieve a career as a professional footballer, believing that success on the pitch will fundamentally improve his family’s circumstances. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he forms a crucial bond with a celebrated former AC Milan player near the twilight of his athletic career.
This connection between the young boy and the veteran athlete is what fundamentally shifts the outlook for both individuals, suggesting that the sport itself is merely a vehicle for a larger, more profound emotional development. The project was driven by Marco Balsamo, who not only penned the script but also produced the work alongside Tara Sibel Demren.
The star-studded local flavour
The cast list is rich with highly regarded local talent, lending the film a strong Indonesian dramatic foundation. Alongside the lead roles, the cast features Alessandro Costacurta, a renowned AC Milan icon, alongside other acclaimed Indonesian actors including Atiqah Hasiholan, Oka Antara, and Tio Pakusadewo, all of whom have previously won at the Indonesian Film Festival.
The film’s origins trace back to Riva Studios, which was co-founded by Balsamo and Demren in 2022. As this is their first live-action feature, the project represents a significant milestone for the independent outfit. The initial buzz around the film was palpable, as both rounds of online tickets for the Jakarta screening sold out astonishingly fast, proving the strong domestic interest in the story.
Global aspirations through sport
The international appeal of Forza is underlined by the company’s mission to promote “bold Asian stories to audiences worldwide.” According to Sophie Shi, head of studios at EST N8, the film is designed as “a film for audiences around the world, with a story of family and hope that transcends language and culture.” This ambition is matched by the commercial success of EST N8, which has sold and distributed more than sixty titles across over a hundred territories.
The theatrical release for the Indonesian public is scheduled for 2027, handled by Adhya Pictures. The company also showcased other diverse titles at the TIFFCOM lineup, including a Thai horror title and several films from Korea and Japan, demonstrating the breadth of their global catalogue. Ultimately, whether through football or family, the journey of a young boy from Bali finding hope in a professional sport is a story built to travel.
