Albanian Director Neritan Zinxhiria Wins Golden Dionysus for ‘NOI’ at Drama International Short Film Festival

 The prestigious 48th Drama International Short Film Festival (DISFF) in Greece closed with a major victory for Albanian cinema. Director Neritan Zinxhiria won the coveted Golden Dionysus Award for his film NOI, held from September 8–14, 2025.

 This is not the first time Zinxhiria has triumphed in Drama. In 2012, he won the Golden Dionysus with Chamomile, and in 2023 he received the Best Documentary Award for Light from Light.

 Neritan Zinxhiria speaking at DISFF

With this year’s success, NOI automatically qualifies for the shortlist of the Academy Awards (Oscars) in the category of Best Short Film. The prize also comes with a €10,000 award, offered by Finos Film and the Greek National Television (ERT).

The Story Behind NOI

Originally titled The Tamer, Zinxhiria later renamed the project to NOI — meaning “we” in the Aromanian (Vlach) language, symbolizing the community portrayed in the film. Shot in Metsovo, Greece, NOI focuses on the Vlach community, their traditions, and their symbiotic relationship with nature and animals, especially horses.

“Horses define the human factor in this world,” Zinxhiria explained. “Human sensitivity depends on animals, not only on our relationship with them but also on their innate characteristics and instincts in coexistence.”

He added that much of his work draws inspiration from oral traditions and archetypal stories, blending local history with universal themes. Most of the film’s cast comes directly from the community, giving the project an authentic voice rooted in its cultural heritage.

A Festival of Global Reach

This year’s festival screened 146 films from 49 countries, reinforcing its role as one of the most influential platforms for short films worldwide. Zinxhiria’s work has already been selected in over 250 festivals and has collected more than 100 national and international awards.

Neritan Zinxhiria’s Filmography:

• 2025 – NOI

• 2023 – Light from Light (Dritë nga Drita)

• 2016 – A Second Country (Një Vend i Dytë)

• 2015 – The Time of a Young Man Who Almost Killed (Koha e një të Riu që Gati të Vriste)

• 2012 – Chamomile (Kamomil)

• 2008 – The Best Bride (Nusja më e Mirë)

With NOI, Neritan Zinxhiria continues to cement his place as one of the most visionary filmmakers from Albania, bridging cinema, folklore, and human-nature relations on the international stage.