EST N8 Takes International Sales Rights to Soccer Drama 'Forza'

EST N8 has acquired international sales rights to the soccer drama "Forza," the company announced. The film is the first feature as director from Marco Balsamo, who also writes, produces and appears in it.

"Forza" has its first public screening on October 25 at Jakarta Film Week, according to Variety. Both rounds of online tickets for the screening at CGV Grand Indonesia sold out within five minutes. After Jakarta, EST N8 will present the film to buyers at the TIFFCOM market, which runs October 28–30.

Newcomer Ghazi Alhabsyi leads the cast as Bima. The ensemble also includes former AC Milan player Alessandro Costacurta, Tara Sibel Demren, Atiqah Hasiholan, Oka Antara and Tio Pakusadewo. The film was shot between Bali and Milan.

Adhya Pictures holds the Indonesian theatrical release, set for 2027. Sophie Shi, head of studios at EST N8, and Jan Paul Villanueva, EVP of acquisitions and global distribution, negotiated the deal for EST N8, with Balsamo and Demren representing Riva Studios.

Riva Studios' first live-action feature

Demren and Balsamo set up Riva Studios in 2022 as an independent outfit working in live action, animation and music. In 2024 the company bought French animation house TeamTO, and "Forza" is Riva Studios' first live-action feature.

EST N8 was formed by bringing together EST Studios and N8 and has offices in Los Angeles and Bangkok; it has sold and distributed more than 60 titles across over 100 territories. Its TIFFCOM lineup also includes "Tame," "Jaguar," "Master," "Pilgrims" and "The Invisible Half."