Dilan Derya Zeynilli (born July 1991) is a Turkish film, television and stage actress based in London, known for her performances in Turkish television productions and the internationally recognized film Exodus. Dilan Derya Zeynilli – known for Exodus (2025), Not Knowing (2019) and Fatih (2013).
Early life and education Zeynilli was born and raised in Istanbul, a global centre for theatre and the arts. From childhood, her family supported her artistic interests, enrolling her in acting classes that led to her acceptance at Sadri Alışık Culture Centre, where she trained for one year in acting. She passed conservatory entrance exams at all universities she applied to and chose Haliç University Conservatory, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts.
Career Television During her university years, Zeynilli began receiving offers from major Turkish TV series such as Fatih and Kurtlar Vadisi Pusu, the latter of which aired in over thirty countries.
After graduating, she joined the cast of the daily drama series Aşkın Bedeli. Seeking broader cultural experience, she attended a language school program in Los Angeles, worked as a model for American brands, appeared in a music video by an American–Colombian group, and trained in the Chubbuck acting method.
Theatre In early 2020, she performed in the children's theatre production Çinyo ile Markonyo, staged by Wise Akademi in Kadıköy. Çinyo ile Markonyo was a 2020 Turkish children's theater production by Wise Akademi Tiyatro, performed at Caddebostan Cultural Center in Istanbul. The allegorical puppet show explored parent-child relationships through the story of Çinyo (a rebellious puppet) and Markonyo (his overprotective puppeteer), with their dynamic transformed by a wise turtle named Kaplum. Starring Dilan Derya Aydın and Murat Zeynilli, the production used puppetry to examine themes of autonomy and growth.
Film and short films In 2019, Zeynilli played Yeliz in the independent feature film Not Knowing, directed by Leyla Yılmaz.
Her breakthrough came with the British‑Turkish co‑production Exodus, directed by Serkan Nihat. Filmed in Istanbul, Cyprus and London, it premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in early 2024. The film addresses forced migration, human rights abuses, and political repression, with Zeynilli portraying lawyer Nîlüfer Bayraktar.
Awards Exodus won Best Drama Feature at the 2024 London Independent Film Festival, highlighting the ensemble cast including Zeynilli.
Selected filmography Year Title Role Notes 2013 Fatih Supporting role Minor appearance during university studies 2014–2015 Kurtlar Vadisi Pusu Recurring role Appeared in multiple episodes as part of the supporting cast. 2019 Not Knowing Yeliz Independent feature film by Leyla Yılmaz 2020 Çinyo ile Markonyo Performer Children's theatre production in Kadıköy 2025 Exodus Nîlüfer Bayraktar International political drama; premiered Berlin 2024; won London festival award
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