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BAFTA-winning British actor Owen Teale was moved to tears by a surprise performance of the "Game of Thrones" theme music at Istanbul's historic Serefiye Cistern after arriving in the city to receive the Best Actor award at the 4th International Digital Film Festival Istanbul (DFFI 2026).
Teale, who won the award for his performance in Something Pointless, toured the centuries-old underground cistern with Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Tourism Director Huseyin Gazi Cosan, Istanbul Chamber of Tourist Guides President Selcuk Eracun, festival founder Ilknur Doruker, Bulent Doruker, director Metin Cavus and other festival representatives.
During the visit, musicians surprised the actor with a rendition of the "Game of Thrones" theme played on traditional instruments.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Teale said the unexpected performance had deeply moved him, describing it as the most beautiful interpretation of the series' theme music he had ever heard.
"My eyes filled with tears because it was the most beautiful rendition of the Game of Thrones theme music I have ever heard in my life," Teale said, adding that although he could not identify some of the instruments, the experience was an unforgettable surprise.
"I will cherish this memory for the rest of my life," he added.
Following the cistern visit, Teale continued his sightseeing tour through Istanbul's historic landmarks, including the Grand Bazaar, Cagaloglu Hammam, a traditional Turkish bathhouse, and Sultanahmet Square.
Reflecting on his experience at the festival, Teale said meeting Turkish audiences had left a lasting impression on him, particularly their openness and appreciation for meaningful storytelling.
He described Turkish viewers as warmhearted people who value authentic stories exploring both the joys and hardships of life.
Turning to his acting career, Teale noted that he frequently portrays tough characters, a contrast with his real-life personality that even his family sometimes struggles to understand. He also revealed that he would take on another complex role in the upcoming series Line of Duty.
Asked about a character he would like to portray in the future, Teale expressed his ambition to bring the life of Owain Glyndwr, a historic Welsh figure described as the last prince of Wales before English control, to the screen.
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