Director Marco Balsamo frames Costacurta’s casting as the emotional core of the story, claiming the film is a 'labor of love' about perseverance and the universal language of football.
Sources say Costacurta’s presence was the primary driver behind the instant sell-out of tickets at CGV Grand Indonesia, proving the Italian icon still holds massive pull in Asian markets.
Fact 1: Costacurta plays a former pro footballer in the last stretch of his career who forms a chance bond with an 11-year-old boy named Bima. Fact 2: The film is Riva Studios' first live-action feature, with tickets for both online rounds selling out in under five minutes.
Costacurta isn't just a cameo; he's the star power that turned a local indie drama into a global talking point, proving his legacy extends far beyond the pitch.
Alessandro Costacurta is back in the spotlight, and the reaction has been nothing short of electric. The AC Milan legend has stepped away from the commentary booth to take on a dramatic role in 'Forza,' the new soccer drama directed by Marco Balsamo. For the first time, fans are seeing the Italian icon not just as a pundit, but as a character study in aging, regret, and redemption.
He plays a former pro footballer in the last stretch of his career who crosses paths with Bima, an 11-year-old from Bali desperate for a way out of poverty. The chemistry between the veteran star and newcomer Ghazi Alhabsyi has become the central buzz of the Jakarta Film Week. The drama on screen is mirroring the frenzy off screen.
Interest in Costacurta’s return to acting is so high that both rounds of online tickets for the film’s public screening at CGV Grand Indonesia vanished inside five minutes. This isn't just typical indie film interest; it is a direct response to the presence of a global sports celebrity. Balsamo, who also appears in the film alongside Costacurta, has spent years bringing this project to life, calling it a 'labor of love.' The director emphasized that Indonesia has been at the heart of the production from the beginning, but it is Costacurta’s involvement that has given the film its international heartbeat.
Co-producer Tara Sibel Demren, who co-founded Riva Studios with Balsamo, noted that the film was designed for families to watch together, hoping Bima’s journey reminds audiences of the importance of having someone believe in you. The quick sell-out of tickets is an encouraging start for the studio, which launched in 2022 and recently acquired the French animation house TeamTO. 'Forza' marks their first foray into live-action features, a bold move that hinges entirely on the star power of its Italian lead.
While the business side of the film is moving quickly—with EST N8 picking up international sales rights and preparing to launch the film at TIFFCOM in Tokyo—the narrative focus remains on Costacurta’s personal journey as an actor. The film bridges Indonesia and Italy through the shared passion for football, a theme Costacurta embodies both in his real-life career and his fictional role. Sophie Shi, head of studios at EST N8, highlighted that the story of family and hope transcends language, but it is the recognizable face of Costacurta that is drawing buyers and audiences alike.
With the domestic release set for 2027 via Adhya Pictures, the immediate excitement is centered on how Costacurta handles this dramatic turn. He is not just a name on the poster; he is the anchor of a story about opening new doors for each other. As the film heads to Tokyo for its market debut, all eyes will be on how this former defender transitions from sports legend to dramatic lead, proving that his influence is just as potent in front of the camera as it was on the pitch.
