Riva Studios is preparing to bring its first feature‑length sports drama, ‘Forza’, to Indonesian screens in late 2026, with a global rollout slated for early 2027. The project marks the studio’s entry into feature filmmaking and aims to tap into Indonesia’s rapidly growing cinema market.
Directed by Balsamo, the film also sees him assume the role of Marco Cagliostro, a veteran player nearing retirement, while newcomer Ghazi Alhabsyi portrays the titular Bima, an 11‑year‑old from Bali whose soccer aspirations are driven by the need to support his family.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Bali and the historic streets of Italy, the narrative follows Bima’s journey from a modest neighborhood pitch to the international stage, weaving together multiple languages and cultural references that reflect the film’s cross‑border production.
The soundtrack, curated by Indonesian artists such as Coast Contra, Kamauu, Dev Lemons, Mayday, and Saykoji, underscores the film’s collaborative spirit and adds a local musical flavor that complements the story’s universal themes.
A cultural bridge through sport
Distributed locally by Adhya Pictures, ‘Forza’ will open on roughly 2,350 screens nationwide, a modest rollout that reflects the studio’s focus on tapping Indonesia’s under‑served market rather than saturating it. The release strategy seeks to capitalize on the country’s large population and rising domestic film admissions while maintaining a manageable screen count.
Balsamo has described the project as a testament to independent filmmaking’s power to unite people across cultures through a shared love of sport, while Tara Sibel Demren notes that soccer functions as a universal language that transcends borders and generations in the film’s narrative.