Shot across the picturesque landscapes of Bali and the iconic city of Milan, 'Forza' tells the story of Bima, an 11-year-old Balinese boy with dreams of becoming a professional footballer to uplift his family. His life takes an unexpected turn when he forms a bond with a former AC Milan player, now in the twilight of his career, offering both a chance at a new beginning.

Newcomer Ghazi Alhabsyi leads the cast as Bima, joined by a mix of Indonesian talent and a global football icon. Director Marco Balsamo also appears on screen, alongside Tara Sibel Demren, and acclaimed Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) winners Atiqah Hasiholan, Oka Antara, and Tio Pakusadewo. The star power is further amplified by the inclusion of former AC Milan defender Alessandro Costacurta, a name synonymous with football greatness, whose involvement adds significant appeal to the project.

Balsamo penned the script and produced the film with Demren under their independent banner, Riva Studios. The project was originated by Riva Studios, with Ario Sagantoro, known for his work on 'The Raid' franchise, also serving as a producer. This marks Riva Studios' first live-action feature, an outfit co-founded by Demren and Balsamo in 2022, which also notably acquired French animation house TeamTO in 2024.

The film's journey to global audiences begins with its first public screening at Jakarta Film Week on October 25, ahead of its TIFFCOM market launch from October 28-30. Early interest has been strong, with online tickets for the Jakarta premiere selling out within minutes, signaling a promising reception. Domestically, Adhya Pictures is set to handle the Indonesian theatrical release, slated for 2027.

Sophie Shi, head of studios at EST N8, expressed enthusiasm for the film's potential. She noted, "‘Forza’ bridges Indonesia and Italy, telling a universal story of family and hope through football." Shi emphasized the film's international appeal, stating, "It’s a film for audiences around the world, with a story of family and hope that transcends language and culture." The sales deal was negotiated by Shi and Jan Paul Villanueva for EST N8, with Balsamo and Demren representing Riva Studios.

Director Marco Balsamo reflected on the long journey to bring the film to the screen. "This film is a labor of love and a testament to the perseverance and collaboration behind independent filmmaking," he shared, highlighting the deep connection to Indonesia at the project's core. Co-founder Tara Sibel Demren added that the film was crafted for families to watch and discuss together, hoping Bima’s journey resonates with viewers. "We hope Bima’s journey reminds audiences how much it matters to have someone believe in you," she said, underscoring the film's uplifting message.