Business Review recently conducted an interview with George Balta, shedding light on the narrative of the movie “Moving Forward.” This inspirational film, directed by Tedy Necula, showcases George’s remarkable journey as he portrays himself in the leading role.

A dedicated rugby player, George’s life takes an unexpected turn when a game-related accident leaves him paralyzed. Despite the challenges that follow, George’s indomitable spirit reemerges, propelling him to reinvent himself as a wheelchair marathoner and motivational speaker, illustrating the resilience and determination that define his inspiring story.

From professional player to motivational speaker, and now an actor – the main character in the story of your life. Who is George Baltă, actually?

George Balta is a simple man with a complicated but damn beautiful life. I have fallen in love with rugby at the age of 10 and from that point onwards, I did everything I could to perform. However, since 2006, my life took a different direction after I injured my spine.

How did your life become a film? What was your contribution to the development of the story and the film’s production? Were you involved in the creative process?

Soon after my injury, I started to write about living life in a wheelchair and following on from there, I got invited to quite a few public events as a motivational speaker. One day, Tedy Necula, the director of the film, heard about my story and invited me to turn my life into a film, with a precondition to play my own role.

Read more about

Actress Adelaida Perjoiu, MMXX movie: “Whether you’ve done tons of movies or none, there can be no shine unless you’re all in with what you’re going on in that moment.”

read more

Read also: Autumn’s cinematic harvest: Romanian movie premieres

From your perspective, what was the most challenging aspect in adapting your story to the screen, and how was this creative challenge overcome?

I think the most challenging thing was my vulnerability. It’s quite difficult to put your life on paper and after everything I’ve lived, to turn it into a movie and somehow relive key aspects and moments.

What impact do you believe this film will have on society and how people perceive and understand the challenges and experiences faced by others?

This film shows that life goes on, regardless of what life offers us and that we have the power to adapt to the new. We want people to understand that tomorrow is not promised to any of us and that it would be good to enjoy every second in life.

In a previous interview, you expressed the hope that people who watch the film will begin to value life more, recognize that unexpected events can occur at any moment, and dispel the notion that “it can’t happen to me.” You encouraged them to relish every moment and persevere because there is always more to look forward to. Can you share your experience of the film’s public premiere and highlight the most memorable reactions that have stayed with you? Did the audience’s response align with your expectations?

The messages received after people saw the film made me very happy, and I chose from the students, from the new generation who understood the true joys of life…to see, to feel, to move. We want this film to reach as many young people as possible for awareness.

Director Tedy Necula describes you as the representation of the mix between humanity and performance. How would you define this mix?

Tedi has several definitions for me and I’m glad to see that he saw in me, not through me.I am a person with good and bad, I am extremely involved when I start something and I do my best to do everything well. That’s what rugby taught me.

What does “Moving forward” mean to you?

For me “Moving forward” means lifting your head up regardless of the situation, it means joy, sadness, it means life altogether.