“Forza,” Marco Balsamo’s soccer drama shot between Bali and Milan, has been picked up for international sales by EST N8, which will take the film to the Tokyo International Film Festival‘s TIFFCOM market (Oct. 28–30). Before that, it gets its first public screening on Oct. 25 at Jakarta Film Week.
\n\nBalsamo’s first feature as director centers on Bima, an 11-year-old from Bali who hopes a career as a pro footballer will give his family a better life. A chance bond with a former AC Milan player in the last stretch of his career changes the outlook for both of them.
\n\nNewcomer Ghazi Alhabsyi heads the cast. Balsamo also appears on screen, alongside Tara Sibel Demren, AC Milan icon Alessandro Costacurta and Atiqah Hasiholan, Oka Antara and Tio Pakusadewo, all three winners at the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI).
\n\nBalsamo wrote the script and produced with Demren. Riva Studios originated the project, and its producers include Ario Sagantoro of “The Raid” franchise. Adhya Pictures has the film’s Indonesian theatrical release, set for 2027.
\n\nInterest at home is strong. Both rounds of online tickets for the Jakarta screening, at CGV Grand Indonesia, sold out inside five minutes.
\n\n“‘Forza’ follows a boy from Bali…
Original source: https://variety.com/