DISFF 48 – The Full Picture

48th DRAMA INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

8th-14th September 2025

Ready to welcome creators, the audience, and the entire film community to Drama city, the 48th edition of DISFF marks a fresh start for the Drama Film Festival with new faces, a new character, and a fresh spirit, while maintaining the same dedication to short films and to those who love and support them!

The 48th Drama International Short Film Festival (DISFF) will take place from 8th to 14th September 2025 in Drama, with a rich programme featuring 223 films from 49 countries. Of these, 146 short films will compete in the 7 competition sections of DISFF: NATIONAL, NATIONAL STUDENT, INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION, INTERNATIONAL STUDENT, ANIMATION, SHORT & GREEN, and KIDDO.

The Drama Film Festival, which is making a dynamic restart with new artistic director Yorgos Angelopoulos, will present a rich selection of this year’s Greek short films, which are expected to spark discussions due to their high quality and diversity, in a national and international premiere.

This year, the two (2) films that will win the top awards in the National and International Competition sections will automatically secure the much-coveted “ticket” for participation in the Oscar® process.

Special tributes to important creators, educational activities by the Short Film Hub, networking opportunities, pitching sessions, student films, animation, eco-themed films, and films for children and teenagers promise an unforgettable seven-day experience and a vibrant cinematic youth celebration.

The programme includes, to mention a few, a tribute to the short films of Angelos Frantzis and Helena Wittmann, while the revamped Short Film Hub aims to connect young film professionals with both the international and national film communities.

This year’s edition will take place simultaneously in physical venues in the city of Drama and online.

Through the online platform, the films will be accessible, with free admission, all over Greece.

The President of the Drama International Short Film Festival Cultural Organisation and Mayor of Drama Giorgos Papadopoulos, and the Vice President Petros Paraskevaidis, promise a welcoming week in Drama, the city that has found its place on the global map of short films.

The 48th DISFF will be held at the Olympia Cinema, the Alexandros Open-Air Cinema, the Municipal Conservatory Hall of Drama, the garden of the Cyclops cultural space, the Eleftheria cultural center and the Drama Gymnasium (Arrenon).

The Drama Festival is organized by the Cultural Organisation- Drama SFF of the Municaplity of Drama and held with the full support of the Ministry of Culture, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and the Hellenic Parliament. We extend our special thanks to Festival’s Gold Sponsor, the Public Power Corporation (DEI), the largest clean energy company in Southeast Europe, as well as to the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre (EKKOMED), RAYCAP, KYKLOPS, CODESEED, and Estates Costa Lazaridi, whose support plays a crucial role in making the event possible.

HERE you will find the daily screening schedule for the festival.

THE FESTIVAL’S FREE STREAMING PLATFORM

Those who wish to watch the 48th DISFF online can do so from anywhere in Greece via the Festival’s platform (also accessible via the website through the ONLINE FESTIVAL link). The films will be available from 8 September (9 p.m.).

Admission is FREE for all online Festival content, which will include the 7 competition sections, parallel programme films and reference films from the Short Film Hub’s activities.

The films will remain available on the platform throughout the Festival, and the audience is invited to vote for their favourite films for the Audience Award.

GREEK COMPETITION

The National Competition Programme, with Yorgos Angelopoulos as head programmer, features a total of 35 films. You can find them HERE.

Dozens of well-known actors star in the films. These include: Maria Skoula, Kostas Koronaios, Antonis Tsiotsiopoulos, Ieronymos Kaletsanos, Giorgos Angelkos, Andreas Konstantinou, Sofia Kokkali, Haris Fragoulis, Elena Topalidou, Dimitris Xanthopoulos, Simos Kakalas, Haris Tzortzakis, Konstantinos Avarikiotis, Makis Papadimitriou, Vasilis Kukalani, Lena Kitsopoulou, Evelina Papoulia, Thanasis Tokakis, Gioula Bountali, Aris Balis, Penelope Tsiilika, Dimitra Vlagopoulou, Nikolakis Zenginoglou, Ioko Ioannis Kotidis, Flomaria Papadaki, Pavlos Iordanopoulos, Euthalia Papakosta, Stavros Tsoumanis, Vasilis Koutsogiannis, Zoi Sigalou, Karafil Sena and many more talented new faces. We will also enjoy the beloved Hanna Sigoula in the role of narrator.

Social issues and relationships dominate this year too. Themes such as loss, the mother-daughter relationship, pregnancy, first menstruation, and alienation stand out. Animals and children play a central role in several films, with children’s perspectives and imagination coming to the fore, occupying a significant part of this year’s themes.

The pressing issues that plague contemporary Greece continue to inspire short filmmakers: the far right, bankruptcy, corruption, homophobia, migration, the search for identity, drugs, prostitution, as well as references to the recent political past. The lockdown continues to leave its mark on cinema, and we will also see films inspired by the nightlife, or by cinemas closing down in the name of profit. The trade of death in cemeteries, as well as the unconditional surrender to the tourism industry, have served as raw material for some filmmakers.

The programme is also enriched with a new distinct trend: films featuring mythical creatures such as vampires, mermaids and zombies, but with an LGBTQ+ twist. Alongside these, we also find hybrid films and mockumentaries (fiction films made to look like documentaries) that fool even the most experienced eye.

Many new directors are competing in the 48th DISFF, while several old acquaintances of the festival who have distinguished themselves in the past are returning.

SIX ADDITIONAL COMPETITION PROGRAMMES

On the Festival’s website, you will find all the films participating in the Festival’s competition sections.

Here are the links for each of them:

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
NATIONAL STUDENT
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION
SHORT AND GREEN
KIDDO

THE JURIES OF THE 48TH DISFF

NATIONAL COMPETITION
Maria Kallimani, actress
Elsa Lekakou, actress
Dimosthenis Papamarkos, writer, screenwriter
Andreas Sinanos, director of photography
Angelos Frantzis, film director

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Helena Wittmann, film director, director of photography
Katerina Gregou, artistic director of the National Museum of Contemporary Art
Panagiotis Evangelidis, film director, screenwriter

NATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION
Sofia Dimopoulou, casting director (Ready2Cast)
Maria Lysikatou, director of the Trianon cinema, distributor
Dimitris Moutsiakas, film director

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION
Simone Bardoni, artistic director of the Concorto Film Festival
Loes van Keulen, programme curator at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam
Maria Drandaki, producer (Homemade Films)

INTERNATIONAL SHORT & GREEN COMPETITION
Neil Young, film critic, festival programme curator
Dimitris Kapouranis, actor
Smaro Papaevangelou, film editor, film director

INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION COMPETITION
Anna Feistel, programme coordinator and curator of the Hamburg Short Film Festival
Nihan Sivridag, programme curator of the Berlin Film Festival
Konstantinos Vassilaros, producer (StudioBauhaus)

In the INTERNATIONAL KIDDO COMPETITION, the jury is composed of the following pupils from Drama:
Anastasia Antoniadou, Christos Kotsis, Anastasia Bountouri, Evangelia Mytilineou, Ourania Hatzikourti

SHORT FILM HUB

The Festival’s training and networking mechanism, staffed this year by Antigoni Papantoni, aims to connect young film professionals with the international and domestic film industry.

The activities of the Short Film Hub, which is supported by CREATIVE EUROPE MEDIA, will spread throughout the duration of the Festival.

Every day discussions with distinguished guests will take place, while every morning, at the Alexandros cinema, the audience will have the opportunity to meet the competing directors.

Moreover, one-to-one meetings will be organised between established film professionals and contributors presenting their films in the Festival’s official programme.

This year’s programme includes three specialised workshops, five panel discussions, two Literary Atriums that carry on the unique tradition of the Drama Festival, as well as numerous opportunities for networking and connecting with renowned professionals from Greece and abroad.

“This year,” explains Antigone Papantoni, “the programme is growing, focusing on community, cross-sector collaboration, and building a sustainable, supportive ecosystem. With a focus on bringing together all the specialities that make up a short film—from screenwriting, casting and directing to production and distribution—the Short Film Hub focuses on knowledge exchange, empowering young creators and bridging the gap between artistic intention and professional realisation”.

“The topics examine key issues such as post-festival distribution, the dynamics of casting, creative possibilities within low-budget conditions, and the relationship between cinema and literature”.

In the context of distribution, special attention is given not only to international prospects but also to mapping and strengthening domestic distribution channels. This year’s event opens the dialogue on alternative distribution channels in Greece, focusing on the possibilities offered by art museums and independent curatorial groups active in spaces of artistic expression and experimental projects.”

Workshops

*New Producers – Decoding Production (Tuesday, 9 September, Eleftheria Hall)
From searching for projects and talent to development/co-production, financing, implementation and finally distribution of a film. With Konstantinos Vasilaros (StudioBauhaus), Maria Drandaki (Homemade Films) and Eroll Bilibani (Head of DokuLab at DokuFest, freelance producer).
In collaboration with the Creative Europe MEDIA Office

*Practices for better communication on a film set (Thursday, 11 September, Eleftheria Hall)
An experiential workshop with holistic therapist Elena Christopoulou, aimed at improving communication and cooperation within film crews

*Filming on Film – The Rebirth of the Medium (Friday, 12 September, Eleftheria Hall)
A unique theory and practice workshop on filming with photochemical media, i.e. using film, prompted by the shift of mainly young creators towards this traditional medium. With distinguished director of photography Christos Karamanis and 1st AC George Maniatis.
In collaboration with the Greek Society of Cinematographers (GSC)

Discussions:

*Searching for the heroes of history – The importance of casting (Tuesday, 9 September, Alexandros Open-Air Cinema)
An in-depth discussion between casting director Sofia Dimopoulou (Ready2Cast) and film director Angelos Frantzis on the art, technique and ethics of casting.

*Navigating the landscape of international festivals (Tuesday, 9 September, Alexandros Open-Air Cinema)
Representatives from international festivals, sales and distribution companies unfold their strategies for success in presenting short films on an international level. With Anna Feistel (Kurzfilm Agentur Hamburg), Alexandra Hroncova (Cinefila) and Simone Bardoni (Concorto Film Festival / Lights On). The discussion will be moderated by Maya Sfakianaki (Head of the Short & Green Programme).

*The lifespan of Greek short films – Finding an audience after the festivals (Thursday 11 September, Alexandros Open-Air Cinema)
Representatives from different distribution channels, cinemas, streaming platforms, museums and independent curatorial groups explore synergies for the sustainability of short films in Greece. With Katerina Gregou (National Museum of Modern Art-EMST), Maria Lysikatou (Trianon), Tasos Papagiannis (Cinobo) and Smaro Papaevangelou (Nionia Films). Moderated by Yanna Sarri (Promotion Director Hellas Film, Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center-EKKOMED).

*Doing more with less – Constraints and creative freedom (Saturday, 13 September, Alexandros Open-Air Cinema)
Filmmakers who have excelled through creative approaches in conditions of limited resources discuss how difficulties can serve as a source of freedom, inventiveness and personal style. With Panagiotis Evangelidis, Kostis Haramountanis and Helena Wittmann. The discussion will be moderated by film programme curator Vasilis Bourikas.

*Conversations in the same frame: Actors (Sunday, 14 September, Alexandros Open-Air Cinema)
Two renowned Greek actors from different generations, Maria Kallimani and Dimitris Kapouranis, discuss the art of acting, their careers in film, theatre and television, and share moments, advice and truths about the profession.

Atrium Literary Afternoons

The short form in literature and cinema

On Wednesday 10/9, at the Alexandros Open-Air Cinema, Dimosthenis Papamarkos invites us on a journey into the inner workings of writing, whether it be a short story or a screenplay. The event begins with a reading of a short story by the guest author, read by actress Maria Kallimani. The author will converse with poet Kyriakos Syfiltsoglou from Drama.

On Friday 12 September, at the Alexandros Open-Air Cinema, Christos Oikonomou will meet with publishing editor Eudoxia Binopoulou to discuss the transition from literary short story writing to short film narration. Dimitris Kapouranis will read the short story ‘Penguins Outside the Accounting Office,’ and the short film Penguins by Dimitris Zachos, based on the author’s short story, will be screened.

For more information on this year’s activities of Short Film Hub, click HERE.

DISFF PITCHING LAB

The Drama Pitching Lab is taking place for the 12th year, curated by the program’s director, Varvara Douka.

Ten projects (including four Greek ones) will participate in the international DISFF Pitching Lab in Drama and will compete for the Finos Film, EKKOMED, and ERT awards, as well as for the “Stathis Paraskevopoulos” mentorship awards.

The Pitching will take place on Wednesday, September 10, in the “Eleftheria” Hall.

According to Barbara Douka, “Ten proposals from around the world were selected from a record number of entries, chosen among many promising projects by creators with distinctive cinematic voices. The final selection, made by the DISFF Pitching Lab team, reflects our intention to showcase a variety of film genres — ranging from social drama to black comedy and hybrid documentary — and to support narratives that boldly explore complex and always relevant issues; it also demonstrates our commitment to supporting creators who, through a human-centered lens, engage in a dialogue with the emerging new era, raising questions about the world, the past, and human relationships —which appear more fluid than ever.”

Tutors: Barbara Douka, film director, educator, Georgina Kakoudaki, dramaturg, film director, educator, John Stevens, educator, script consultant.

Guest Speakers: Alexandra Hroncova, Cinefila Distribution, Eroll Bilibani Head of DokuLab at DokuFest, freelance producer.

You can find detailed information about the projects that qualified for this year’s Pitching Lab HERE.

TRIBUTES

*DISFF is proud to present tributes to Angelos Frantzis and Helena Wittmann. Six short films by Angelos Frantzis, spanning from 1992 to 2014, will be screened alongside eight short films shot by Helena Wittmann between 2004 and 2025, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of their creative journeys over time.

For the first time in Greece, the complete short film oeuvres of both artists are being showcased, as part of DISFF’s broader effort to bring audiences into contact with the early work of important filmmakers.

These films are often difficult to access — as is the case with Wittmann’s work — while, in the case of Frantzis, the Festival has undertaken the digitisation of his short films to make the tribute possible. This initiative aligns with a key priority of DISFF’s new artistic director, Yorgos Angelopoulos: the preservation and promotion of Greek short films.

This year, the Drama International Short Film Festival celebrates 30 years since its internationalisation, by presenting a special showcase of Grand Prix-winning films from 1995 to the present. One of the most significant milestones in this remarkable journey was the screening of Next Floor by now-renowned French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune and the upcoming James Bond film. Next Floor won the Grand Prix for Best Short Film at DISFF in 2008 — a testament to the Festival’s enduring role in discovering the filmmakers who will be making waves in the future.

*The 48th edition of DISFF will also present two more curated programmes: A selection of short films created during the Drama Film Lab by residents of Drama — with the city itself taking centre stage; and a showcase of student films produced through the ‘Studies in Film Writing, Practice and Research’ programme of the Department of Applied Arts and Sustainable Design at the Hellenic Open University.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

The 48th Drama International Short Film Festival side events include:

*SPECIAL TRIBUTE SCREENING: KOSTAS APOSTOLIDIS
On Sunday, 7  September, at the Arrenon Gymnasium, DISFF honours Kostas Apostolidis, founder of Raycap, with a special screening of a documentary dedicated to his life and vision. Kostas Apostolidis was a significant and long-standing supporter of both the Festival and the city of Drama. Directed and produced by: Marianna Kakaounaki.

*SCREENING OF AWARD-WINNING FILMS
The Festival’s award-winning short films on Monday, 15 September, at 18:30 and 20:30, will be screened at the ‘Alexandros’ open-air cinema.

RENDEZVOUS (ALSO) IN ATHENS — COMING SOON
After Drama, the journey continues to Athens, where the full National Competition and National Student Competition programmes will be presented this autumn. More details to be announced soon.

The Festival’s travelling programme, The Drama Festival Travels, will return next season, expanding to even more destinations in Greece and abroad — showcasing the momentum of Greek cinema.

THE VISUAL IDENTITY & THE SPOT OF THE 48th DISFF
This year’s visual identity for the Festival is once again signed by designer Konstantinos Pavlidis.
Explore this year’s visual identity

The spot for the 48th Drama International Short Film Festival is a Normal Toast production, directed by Angelos Gourzis, with original music by Grigoris Eleftheriou.

FILM PHOTOS

HERE you will find photos from the competing films and their creators

TICKETS

Ticket reservations HERE