RIVA Studios and Adhya Pictures proudly present “FORZA,” bringing the heart and universal connection of football to theaters.
FORZA marks the first of many global ventures between Indonesia's Adhya Pictures and US-based RIVA Studios for an international project that spans across Indonesia, Italy, and America. Filming is currently underway in Bali and Milan, capturing a story that focuses on the intertwined themes of family and football, delivering an inspiring narrative of how sport can connect and bring people closer together despite socio-economic or cultural differences.
FORZA tells the story of Bima, an 11-year-old boy, living in poverty in Bali, who dreams of becoming a professional football player so he may provide for his loving family. When Bima meets Marco, a professional football player from Bali Royal FC who is on the brink of retirement from his football career, Bima's once unachievable dream becomes a reality because he is given a rare chance to trial with a youth academy in Europe.
The film is produced by RIVA Studios co-founders Tara Sibel and Marco Balsamo alongside Ario Sagantoro (The Raid Franchise), with Shierly Kosasih and Ricky Wijaya of Adhya Pictures coming on board as Executive Producers.
Marco Balsamo is also writing and making his live-action directorial debut. Drawing from his extensive soccer background as both a player and youth club executive, Balsamo crafts a poignant story that is both authentic to an Indonesian audience and made for the entire world to enjoy. FORZA centers around the lofty dreams of a young boy, yearning to transcend poverty and achieve greatness in the world of football.
“Using football as the backdrop to tell an authentic yet universally relatable story that champions the human spirit, we want FORZA to inspire all generations around the world. We also want to showcase the beauty and world-class execution of Indonesian filmmaking. This film is a celebration of the spirit of determination that lives within us all, and it's through the eyes of our young protagonist that we explore the power of ambition against the odds. Drawing upon my own experiences in the world of soccer, both on and off the field, I've aimed to bring genuineness and emotional depth to the narrative. FORZA is not just about the game; it's about the journey of a young boy whose love for football leads him on an extraordinary path of self-discovery and growth. It's a story that underscores the importance of family, friendship, and the bridges we can build through our shared passions.” – Marco Balsamo
While most details are still under wraps at the time of this publication, some of the ensemble cast has been announced including Atiqah Hasiholan (as Indah), Yoriko Angeline (as Dewi), Arie Kriting (as Heri), and Tio Pakusadewo (as Arief). More will be revealed soon.
Atiqah Hasiholan, who plays the protagonist's mother in the role of Indah, comments on her character and creative process: “Stepping into the role of Indah, a mother with such a compelling narrative, has been a beautiful journey for me. It's a role that showcases the strength and resilience of a mother's love, and I'm deeply moved by the opportunity to bring this aspect of human connection to life. Working alongside such a wonderful cast and under the guidance of our director, Marco has been nothing short of inspirational. The collective talent, dedication, and passion of everyone involved have created an environment that's both nurturing and creatively stimulating. I believe our shared experiences and the unique bond we've formed throughout this journey shine through in the film, making FORZA a truly special project. I'm excited for audiences to experience the heart and soul we've poured into this story.”
Filming for FORZA will wrap in March with plans for a theatrical release in Indonesia and internationally, currently slated for 2024.
“Forza marks the first international collaboration for Adhya Pictures and we're thrilled it's with RIVA Studios. This project has not only expanded our horizons in international co-productions but has also allowed us to delve into the intricacies of blending diverse storytelling techniques and production values. It's a testament to the power of collaborative creativity and the shared passion for bringing compelling narratives to the screen. We are excited to pioneer this venture, which we believe will pave the way for more innovative and globally appealing projects, further establishing Indonesia's footprint in the international film industry.” – Executive Producer and Adhya Pictures Chief Operating Officer Shierly Kosasih.
Don't forget to follow our social media accounts for the latest information, including announcements of other cast members, regarding FORZA as listed below:
Instagram: @forzathemovie @riva.studios @adhyapictures TikTok: @forzathemovie @adhyapictures
