Executive Overview
International sales and distribution powerhouse EST N8 has acquired global rights to Forza, a cross-continental soccer drama directed by Marco Balsamo. The film bridges the cultural landscapes of Bali and Milan, telling a universal story of hope, family, and the unifying power of sport. The announcement comes on the heels of intense early buzz and arrives just ahead of the film’s high-profile world sales launch at the TIFFCOM market, which runs concurrently with the Tokyo International Film Festival from October 28 to 30.
Before hitting the international market circuit, Forza is slated for its eagerly anticipated world premiere on October 25 at the Jakarta Film Week. Domestic enthusiasm for the project has proven explosive; local audiences cleared out both rounds of online tickets for the premiere screening at CGV Grand Indonesia in a lightning-fast five minutes.
Marking Balsamo’s feature-film directorial debut, Forza is an ambitious independent endeavor originating from Riva Studios. The production company co-founders, Balsamo and Tara Sibel Demren, crafted the film to transcend cultural boundaries through the world’s most popular sport. Bolstered by a stellar ensemble cast—including newcomers and decorated Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) winners alongside an AC Milan football icon—the film has secured an Indonesian theatrical release for 2027 via Adhya Pictures.
As EST N8 prepares to introduce the title to international buyers in Tokyo, the acquisition highlights the agency’s ongoing mission to champion bold, culturally resonant Asian narratives designed to captivate worldwide audiences.
Detailed Chronology and Production Genesis
The journey of Forza from an independent concept to an international market contender spans years of dedicated collaboration across continents. Conceived, written, and produced by Marco Balsamo alongside co-producer Tara Sibel Demren, the project was originated by Riva Studios—an independent entertainment outfit established in 2022 that specializes in live-action, animation, and music. In a testament to its rapid international expansion, Riva Studios notably acquired the renowned French animation house TeamTO in 2024, making Forza its maiden voyage into live-action feature filmmaking.
The narrative centers on Bima, an 11-year-old boy living in Bali whose dreams are pinned on a career as a professional football player in the hopes of lifting his family out of financial hardship. Bima’s trajectory shifts dramatically when he forms an unexpected, life-altering bond with a veteran European football star—a former AC Milan player navigating the final, reflective stretch of his career. Together, the young dreamer and the seasoned athlete open new doors for one another, creating a cross-cultural dialogue between Indonesia and Italy.
Production logistics required a demanding shoot spanning the tropical paradises of Bali and the historic urban architecture of Milan. Behind the scenes, the project enlisted heavy-hitting talent. Ario Sagantoro, famed for producing the groundbreaking action franchise The Raid, boarded the film as a producer, lending his extensive industry expertise to the production team.
The cast blends fresh talent with seasoned prestige. Newcomer Ghazi Alhabsyi steps into the demanding lead role of Bima, supported by director Marco Balsamo and co-producer Tara Sibel Demren on screen. Crucially, the production secured AC Milan icon Alessandro Costacurta to appear in the film, bridging cinematic fiction with genuine football royalty. They are joined by a powerhouse trio of Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) winners: Atiqah Hasiholan, Oka Antara, and Tio Pakusadewo, lending deep dramatic gravitas to the supporting ensemble.
Supporting Context, Metrics, and Market Impact
The acquisition by EST N8 places Forza within an elite roster of international titles and underscores the growing global appetite for authentic, emotionally grounded family storytelling.
Domestic Reception and Box Office Outlook
The cultural resonance of Forza within Indonesia was immediately clear upon the announcement of its premiere at Jakarta Film Week. Tickets for the inaugural public screening at CGV Grand Indonesia vanished in a mere five minutes across two successive online allocation rounds. This hyper-local enthusiasm validates the project’s commercial viability and sets a robust foundation for Adhya Pictures, which has scheduled the film’s broader Indonesian theatrical release for 2027.
EST N8’s Expanding Global Footprint
EST N8—formed through the strategic merger of EST Studios and N8, with operations spanning Los Angeles and Bangkok—has built an enviable reputation for cultivating and distributing adventurous cinema. Having successfully handled over 60 titles across more than 100 territories, the company’s stellar track record includes:
- Hidden Letters: Shortlisted for the Academy Awards and nominated for an Emmy Award.
- The Monk and the Gun: Bhutan’s official Academy Award entry.
- A Useful Ghost: Winner of the prestigious Grand Prize at the Cannes Critics’ Week.
- Blood Brothers: A major hit that climbed to the top of Netflix’s global streaming charts.
At the upcoming TIFFCOM market, Forza will headline EST N8’s robust sales slate, which also features a diverse array of critically acclaimed international titles:
- Tame: A chilling horror feature from Thailand, produced by B-EST Pictures.
- Jaguar: A gritty crime thriller set in the bustling streets of Manila, directed by Dean Colin Marcial.
- Master: A celebrated drama by Rezwan Shahriar Sumit, which previously secured the Big Screen Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).
- Pilgrims: A visually inventive South Korean sci-fi animated feature directed by Heo Pyoungkang, following its selection at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
- The Invisible Half: A contemporary J-horror film directed by Nishiyama Masaki.
Official Statements from Key Stakeholders
The international partnership between the filmmakers and the sales agency highlights a shared vision for the film’s global potential.
Sophie Shi, Head of Studios at EST N8:
“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. 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 deal itself was meticulously brokered by Sophie Shi and Jan Paul Villanueva on behalf of EST N8, with Marco Balsamo and Tara Sibel Demren representing Riva Studios. Villanueva, who serves as Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Global Distribution, will spearhead sales alongside Cathy Ni, Head of Sales and U.S. Distribution, and Shams Pasha, Global Sales and Marketing Executive.
Marco Balsamo, Director and Co-Producer:
“We’ve spent years bringing Forza to the screen, and Indonesia has been at the heart of it from the beginning. 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.”
Tara Sibel Demren, Co-Founder of Riva Studios and Co-Producer:
“We designed this film for families to watch side by side and discuss afterward. 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. Seeing both ticket releases fill so quickly is an encouraging start. We’re looking forward to hearing audiences’ reactions.”
Future Outlook and Industry Trajectory
As Forza prepares for its world premiere at Jakarta Film Week and its subsequent commercial introduction to international distributors at TIFFCOM, the film stands as a shining example of modern, borderless independent cinema. By fusing the universal language of soccer with a deeply personal, cross-cultural narrative set against the stunning backdrops of Bali and Milan, the production has positioned itself as a major crossover prospect.
With EST N8 spearheading its global campaign, Forza is poised to secure significant international territory sales in Tokyo, introducing Western and Asian buyers alike to a fresh cinematic voice. As the industry looks toward its 2027 theatrical rollout in Indonesia and eventual worldwide distribution, Marco Balsamo’s directorial debut is well on its way to cementing a lasting legacy as a heartwarming, globally resonant milestone in independent sports drama.
