Featured in Men’s Health, George Pistereanu shared his belief that sport is essential for our growth physically, mentally, and creatively. Training builds discipline, strengthens focus, and keeps the body ready for demanding roles on screen and stage. For him, movement isn’t just fitness; it’s a cornerstone of development and a way to stay connected to strength, balance, and purpose.

Premiering in the Berlinale’s Generation KPlus section, which often blurs the lines between films about or intended for children and teenagers, this is a gentle reflection on the importance of trust and truth in relationships. While the emotional stakes are high, the director generally opts to keep the drama muted, which is both a virtue and a limitation. But that restraint also helps its mild dose of sentiment go down easily.

The Berlinale jury, headed by director Werner Herzog, gave its Silver Bear Jury Prize to a very different film: Florin Serban’s “If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle.” a pull-no-punches look at juvenile delinquents in Romania. “Whistle” also nabbed the Alfred Bauer Award, named after the Berlinale’s founder.

Silviu (George Pistereanu) is getting out of juvenile detention after four years inside for unspecified infractions. Since he’s not top man on the totem pole, he’s subject to the power-brokering of more hardened inmates. Younger brother Marius (Marian Bratu) makes an unexpected visit, announcing that their mom (Clara Voda) has returned from Italy and wants to take him back with her before Silviu gets out; big brother is not pleased.

 "I just want to say how much I enjoyed working with George Pistereanu on “The Protégé”. An extremely talented actor who added so much to the character he portrayed. I tried to get him for my next movie but sadly our respective schedules didn't allow for it. I would highly recommend George to any director casting a movie, and I for one will be working with him again."

"At the time I met George, he was 18, without any formal acting training, and without experience. Years have passed, I've completed my fifth film, and I've seen hundreds of actors, and yet, I've never encountered a more naturally gifted actor then George at 18. Now, with training and experience, I firmly believe that, given the right part, for George, sky is the limit."