AESTHETICA Short Film Festival returns for its 14th edition from November 6 to 10, this time alongside the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO.
York’s BAFTA-Qualifying film festival is the dynamic destination for bold ideas and innovative storytelling, taking place across 15 city-centre venues.
Directed by Cherie Federico, a New Yorker who has made York her home for 20 years, the festival puts York on the map for screen culture with an expansive screening programme of the best independent British and international film, VR [Virtual Reality] and video games.
Aesthetica also brings award-winning creatives from around the world to York, including representatives from the New York Times, Ridley Scott Associates, Tribeca Film Festival, Aardman, BBC Film, Film4 and many more.
Festival attendees can learn from and connect with these industry leaders in masterclasses, workshops for adults and children, networking sessions and social events.
Top Ten Things To See and Do at Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2024
1. 300 Film Screenings:
This year’s screening programme is rich with innovative storytelling, including films by the most exciting talent, featuring the likes of Ian McKellen, Bill Nighy, Siobhan McSweeney, Sarah Hadland and Jessie Buckley.
Explore films spanning 12 genres, including animation, comedy, documentary, drama, fashion, family friendly, thriller and more. The festival runs in a hybrid format; screenings can be experienced on the big screen or streamed from home throughout November.
2. Masterclasses:
Aesthetica is one of the UK’s largest and most revered events in the screen industries, bringing prestigious, award-winning creatives from around the world to York. With In-person and Hybrid tickets you can access a world-class line-up of 60 masterclasses and panel sessions.
Speakers this year include Ridley Scott Associates, Tribeca, BBC, Aardman, Film4, the Guardian and the New York Times, as well as directors, producers and VFX specialists who have worked on well-known titles, such as Assassin’s Creed, Star Wars, Back To Black and House Of The Dragon.
3. Virtual Reality Lab:
Aesthetica invites you to become fully immersed in imaginative stories. Embark on a multi-sensory journey as you explore cinema in 360 degrees at the Hospitium, Museum Gardens. Test out the latest advances in film with 24 VR projects.
Travel across the world and through time in the Cultural Tapestries collection and push the boundaries of reality and imagination in Dreamscapes and Dimensions.
4. Games Lab:
Investigate.games invites you to be part of the world, taking on an active role in uncovering new narratives. Aesthetica’s Games Lab at the Hospitium presents 36 games from indie developers and renowned studios across PC, console, headset and smart devices.
Take to the stars to save Earth in Sam Enright’s retro-futuristic adventure Beyond Galaxyland and play Aardman’s Emmy-nominated Wallace & Gromit in The Grand Getaway, a VR experience that takes you on a new adventure.
5. Workshops:
This year, both adults and children will learn something new in expert-led practical workshops covering an array of film and gaming topics. Explore the world of AI Generators, learn how to storyboard VR films and discover more about adapting stories into films.
Children can develop their skills and make new friends in workshops covering filmmaking, game developing and stop-motion animation. These workshops require a separate ticket.
6. UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO
THIS year’s festival celebrates the tenth anniversary of York’s designation as the UK’s only UNESCO City of Media Arts with an EXPO showcase of 25 businesses that operate on national and international levels.
The event offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience cutting-edge work happening in York. Visit the Guildhall from November 7 to 9 to meet the pioneering creatives working across film, games, design and VFX. Suitable for all ages. Free entry. Head to: mediacityexpo.com/.
7. Listening Pitch Documentary Film Premieres
Aesthetica has partnered with Audible to champion documentary filmmaking talent. The Listening Pitch explores the cinematic of the unheard in a project that funds documentaries that reveal how listening helps us to understand untold stories.
On November 9, you can attend the premiere of 2024’s winning films: Liberty Smith’s Greensound and Ornella Mutoni’s The Things We Don’t Say, as well as winners from previous years.
Aesthetica is the home of new talent, where you can experience the names of the future. Festival films have gone on to screen at Sundance and SXSW [South By South West] and be distributed on the Guardian website.
8. Art Exhibitions and Premieres:
Aesthetica is more than film, bringing five days of art and culture to York through immersive sound installations and art exhibitions. Experience Where Are You Really From?, an eight-channel sound installation by artist and musician Vendela Haakonsen, whose piece connects the narratives of eight individuals from diverse backgrounds with bespoke piano compositions, reflecting on themes of belonging and identity.
The Film Poster Exhibition at City Screen Picturehouse will celebrate the historical relationship between art and cinema. On show will be 40 pieces from the festival’s Official Selection.
View the premiere of contemporary artist Steve Messam’s new site-specific piece, Lantern I, at the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO. Messam, who specialises in projects that challenge perceptions of space and place, plays with light as he transforms the Guildhall building into an immersive and ethereal environment.
9. Networking & Parties:
To connect with new people, explore industry opportunities or discover approaches to filmmaking, networking sessions and parties will take place across the five days in a chance to meet, chat and share ideas. Expect relaxed and friendly atmospheres.
10. Awards Ceremony:
Drawing the festival to a close, the Awards Ceremony will welcome filmmakers, delegates and audiences to watch the prize-giving. Prizes are awarded for the best film in each genre, as well as the Best of Fest and Special Guest awards. Take part in the celebration, to be followed by a reception on November 10.
For the festival programme and tickets, visit asff.co.uk. York Residents Day Passes cost from £22.50.